Newborn Flashcards
Review APGAR, fontanels, birthmarks, normal and abnormal findings, jaundice, reflexes, and complications.
What is an APGAR assessment?
An APGAR assessment is done on the newborn at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth to assess for immediate complications.
It is done more often if there are complications.
What is the highest and best score a newborn can get for an APGAR score?
Highest APGAR score = 10
Many newborns get a 9 due to cyanotic feet or hands.
What are the 5 categories of an APGAR assessment?
- Activity/muscle tone
- Pulse
- Grimace/response to stimulation
- Appearance/skin color
- Respiration effort
What is the possible score for each APGAR category?
The newborn can be assigned a 0, 1 or 2 for each category of APGAR.
- 0 is the worst score
- 2 is the best score
What is the scoring for APGAR Activity/muscle tone?
- 0 = flaccid/limp
- 1 = minimal flexion
- 2 = good flexion/active
What is the scoring for APGAR Pulse?
- 0 = absent
- 1 = < 100 beats/minute
- 2 = >100 beats/minute
What is the scoring for APGAR Grimace/response to stimulation?
- 0 = absent
- 1 = grimace to suction or slap on soles of feet
- 2 = responds promptly with cry or active movement
What is the scoring for APGAR Appearance/skin color?
- 0 = pallor or cyanosis (blue color)
- 1 = cyanotic extremities
- 2 = all normal color / pink
What is the scoring for APGAR Respiration effort?
- 0 = absent
- 1 = slow and weak
- 2 = vigorous cry and respirations between 30 - 60
What are the 2 interventions immediately following the birth of a newborn?
- suction mouth and nares with a bulb syringe
- dry the newborn and stimulate crying by rubbing the back
How is cold stress avoided in a newborn?
- dry infant immediately
- place skin-to-skin contact on mom
- put hat on baby
If client is not available, wrap baby in blankets and place in warmer.
What is a normal heart rate for a newborn?
Heart rate for newborn: 120 - 160
- if sleeping: down to 80 beats/minute
- if crying: up to 180 beats/minute
What are normal respirations for a newborn?
Respirations for newborn: 30 - 60 breaths/minute
Irregular breathing is common.
What is a normal temperature for a newborn?
Normal temperature for a newborn: 96.8oF - 99oF (37oC - 37.2oC)
Where is the anterior fontanel of a newborn located?
Anterior fontanel is located on the top of the head.
Where is the posterior fontanel of a newborn located?
Posterior fontanel is located on the back of the head.
When does the anterior fontanel close on a newborn?
The anterior fontanel closes between 12 and 18 months of age.
When does the posterior fontanel close on a newborn?
The posterior fontanel closes between birth and 3 months.
What is caput succedaneum?
Caput succedaneum is edema of soft tissue over bone on the newborn’s head.
It crosses the suture line and subsides within a few days.
What is cephalhematoma?
Cephalhematoma is swelling on the head caused by bleeding.
It does not cross the suture line. It is usually absorbed by 6 months and does need treatment.
What is thrush?
Thrush is a fungal infection in the newborn’s mouth. It looks like white, patchy areas in the mouth.
It may clear up in a few days. If it doesn’t, oral antifungal medicine will be given.
What is vernix caseosa?
Vernix caseosa is a normal finding of a cheesy-white looking substance covering a newborn’s skin.
It’s a protective cover over the skin from amniotic fluid.
What does a stork bite birthmark look like?
Stork bite birthmark looks like a red patch.
What does a port-wine stain birthmark look like?
A port wine stain birthmark looks like a dark red patch.
What does a strawberry birthmark (or hemangioma) look like?
Strawberry birthmark (hemangioma) looks like a dark red patch.
What does a mongolian spot birthmark look like?
Mongolian spot birthmark looks like purple-blue patches usually on the sacrum.
What is lanugo?
Lanugo is fine body hair on a newborn.
It is found on term infants (39 weeks and later) and helps to hold vernis caseosa on the skin which protects it from amniotic fluid.