Neonates Flashcards
What is the neonatal period defined as?
Birth to 28 days
Why are the first 6 hours after birth critical?
Essential for stabilizing respiratory and circulatory systems
When does lung development reach maturity?
Early childhood
What are Type I cells responsible for?
Gas exchange
What is the function of Type II cells?
Surfactant production (lecithin & sphingomyelin)
When does surfactant production peak during gestation?
35 weeks
What is the normal respiratory rate for newborns?
30-60 breaths per minute
What characterizes periodic breathing in newborns?
Pauses up to 20 seconds
True or False: Apnea in newborns is defined as pauses longer than 20 seconds.
True
What are signs of respiratory distress in newborns?
- Respirations <20 or >60 bpm at rest
- Dyspnea
- Central cyanosis
- Nasal flaring
- Chest retractions
- Expiratory grunting
What is the normal heart rate range for newborns?
110-160 bpm
What happens to blood pressure immediately after birth?
Highest immediately after birth, lowest at 3 hours
What fetal circulatory structures close after birth?
- Foramen ovale
- Ductus arteriosus
- Ductus venosus
What percentage of murmurs in newborns are transient?
90%
What is fetal hemoglobin (HbF) known for?
Higher oxygen saturation but lower carrying capacity
What is physiologic anemia of the newborn?
Decrease in hemoglobin levels from birth to 6 months
How does platelet count in newborns compare to adults?
Comparable, but function is reduced
Why is vitamin K supplementation necessary for newborns?
Limited intestinal flora
What factors limit a newborn’s ability to maintain normal temperature?
- Large surface area relative to body weight
- Minimal subcutaneous fat
What is nonshivering thermogenesis?
Heat conservation via brown fat metabolism
What happens to blood glucose levels after birth?
Drops after birth, reaching the lowest point at 1-2 hours
What is the function of the newborn’s liver in bilirubin metabolism?
Immature in processing bilirubin
When does physiologic jaundice peak in newborns?
Days 3-5
What is meconium?
First stool, black and tarry, passed within 24-48 hours
What is the normal voiding pattern for newborns?
90% void within 24 hours, 99% within 48 hours
What is the average weight of a newborn?
3405 g (7 lbs, 8 oz); may lose 5-10% initially
What is the average length of a newborn?
50 cm (20 inches)
What is assessed during the admission examination of a newborn?
- Airway
- Skin color
- Vital signs
- Weight
- Length
- Head/chest circumference
- Neurological status
- Ability to feed
- Gestational age assessment
What does the APGAR scoring assess?
- Appearance
- Pulse
- Grimace
- Activity
- Respiration
What common skin conditions may be observed in newborns?
- Acrocyanosis
- Mottling
- Jaundice
- Erythema toxicum
- Milia
What are common birthmarks in newborns?
- Stork bites
- Mongolian spots
- Port wine stains
- Strawberry marks
What is caput succedaneum?
Edema from prolonged labor
What is cephalohematoma?
Bleeding under periosteum due to birth trauma
What is the general appearance of a newborn?
- Large head
- Narrow hips
- Prominent abdomen
- Short extremities
- Flexed position mimicking intrauterine posture
What are the key factors for a successful transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life?
- Adequate respiratory and cardiovascular adaptation
- Effective thermoregulation and glucose regulation
- Close monitoring for distress or complications
