neonates Flashcards
what is the difference between gestational age and corrected gestational age?
Gestational is the amount of weeks the baby has been developing in the womb-from the first day of the mums last period to the baby’s birth. While corrected gestational is the age of a preterm baby based on their due date, rather than their birth date.
What is the importance of corrected gestational age?
it’s crucial for appropriate drug dosing, as premature babies have different developmental milestones compared to full-term babies.
Why are premature neonates weighed every day?
To monitor weight changes, which are essential for adjusting drug dosages accurately. Preterm babies grow very fast, so doses have to be re-calculated at regular intervals.
What is the purpose of an initial assessment in neonates?
To check the baby’s overall health and determine if further investigation or intervention is necessary.
What are the key elements in the initial assessment of a newborn?
APGAR score (measured at 1, 5, and 10 minutes after birth)birth weight and ageobstetric historydrug history of the mother-drug misuse, high dose beta blockerbaby’s drug history.Identify if vitamin k is needed
What is an APGAR score, and when is it taken?
a quick assessment of a newborn’s health, taken at 1, 5, and 10 minutes after birth.A pperanceP ulseG rimaceA ctivityR espiration
What interventions are done immediately after birth for a neonate born at 24 weeks onwards?
Cutting the umbilical cord has caused a cut from oxygen and nutrition .:. need to provide oxygen and nutritionincubationventilationInserting a central line through the umbilical cord.
What is surfactant, and why is it given to preterm neonates?
Surfactant is a substance (lipoprotein made of proteins and fats)administered via ET(endotracheal) tube to coat the lungs so they do not collapse=breathe easily.It’s a synthetic version of what coats our lungs. Onlystarts being produced at 32 weeks!Also know as protactant alfa–given via aLISA catheter.
What is the role of caffeine in premature neonates?
Caffeine is a respiratory stimulant that improves breathing problems and improves neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm neonates.
Why is morphine given to premature neonates?
used to settle the baby and assist with long-term ventilation.
What is the role of antibiotics in preterm neonates?
Antibiotics are given to treat early-onset sepsis, as neonates are highly susceptible to infections from bacteria in the birth canal and due to the infection prone environment(hospital).
How does the underdeveloped kidney function in neonates affect drug dosing?
Causes poor drug clearance, which requires careful fluid balance and individualised drug dosing.
How is kidney function affected in premature neonates?
Since kidneys are undeveloped there’s very little output in first day’s which increases risk of hypernatremia but there may also be large losses of fluid.
How does gastric pH at birth affect drug absorption in neonates?
All Neonates have a neutral gastric pH (6-8) at birth due to residual amniotic fluid in babys stomach-affecting absorption of drugs.Acid-labile drugs have higher bioavailability, while weakly acidic drugs have reduced absorption due to existing in ionised form.
What are the changes in gastric emptying rates in neonates?
Gastric emptying is prolonged in both premature and term neonates, reaching adult rates by 6-8 months, which can enhance the absorption of certain drugs.
What is gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR), and how is it treated in neonates?
GOR occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus=complications e.g oesophagitis, chronic aspiration, failure to thrive.Treatment options-alginates, H2 antagonists, omeprazole(most common), feed thickening and sometimes surgery.
What gastro condition can occur in premature babies?
GOR-Gastro-oesophageal Reflux
Why is TPN critical for neonates, especially premature ones?
Total Parenteral Nutrition is vital for neonates because their energy expenditure is very high, and lack of adequate nutrition at this stage can affect long-term development, including bone and brain growth
What is Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), and how is it treated in preterm neonates?
PDA is a condition where the ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth.In preterm neonates, it is treated with paracetamol to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, which causes the ductus to close. Prostin can be used if the baby has congenital heart defects=a struggle to get blood to body without PDA.
what does the ductus arteriosus do? when is it supposed to close?
Carries blood away from the lungs and sends it directly to the body.Closes within first few days of life. Increase in oxygen concentrations and fall in prostaglandin levels leads to Vasoconstriction of the PDA.
What are the main side effects of caffeine used as a respiratory stimulant in neonates?
tachycardia
How do the changes in liver enzyme activity in neonates affect caffeine metabolism?
Neonates mostly excrete caffeine unchanged until about 3 months of age, when liver enzyme activity increases, leading to its metabolism.
What is the importance of line compatibility and access points in neonates?
Understanding line compatibility and access points, like the umbilical arterial and venous catheters, is crucial for administering medications and fluids safely in neonates.
What is neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)? what are the signs? what ?
a syndrome caused by a reduction in pulmonary surfactant for development and structural immaturity in the lungsThe appearance of a baby with increased work of breathing, nasal flaring, rib recession, tachypnoea, a require oxygen therapy and/or retention of carbon dioxide on blood gas analysis.