Neonatology Flashcards
1
Q
What cells produce surfactant?
A
Type 2 alveolar cells
2
Q
When is surfactant first produced?
A
Between 24 and 34 week gestation.
3
Q
What is the role of surfactant?
A
- reduces surface tension in the lungs, to stop the alveoli from collapsing
- maximises surface area of alveoli hence increasing lung compliance (force needed to expand the lungs during inspiration)
- promotes equal expansion of all alveoli
4
Q
What should be done immediately after birth?
A
- skin to skin contact
- clamping of the umbilical cord
- dry the baby
- keep the baby warm - hat and blankets
- give Vitamin K
- label the baby
- measure the weight and length
5
Q
Why is vitamin K given to babies?
A
- babies are born with a deficiency in vitamin K
- giving it helps to prevent bleeding
- normally given IM injection - stimulates crying which also helps to expand the lungs
6
Q
What are the benefits of skin to skin contact?
A
- helps warm the baby
- improves mother and baby interaction
- calms the baby
- can improve breast feeding
7
Q
What things should be done after the delivery of the baby?
A
- initiate feeding as soon as the baby is alert enough
- delay first bath until the baby is warm and stable - can be a few days
- newborn examination within 72hrs
- heel prick - blood test - normally on day 5
- newborn hearing test
8
Q
What conditions does the heel prick blood test screen for?
A
- sickle cell disease
- cystic fibrosis
- congenital hypothyroidism
- phenylketonuria
- medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD)
- maple syrup urine disease (MSUD)
- isovaleric acidaemia (IVA)
- glutaric aciduria type 1
- homocystin
