Newborn Assessment Flashcards
Components of a newborn assessment
Perinatal history (prenatal records/birth records)
Physical exam (apgar score, vital signs/pain/i&o, measurements, head to toe assessment, gestational age determination)
What is part of the general survey for an infant?
State of alertness, color, muscle tone, gfr
What is an ideal (“normal”) apgar score?
7-10
What are the components of an apgar score?
Heart rate, respirations, muscle tone, reflex irritability, color
Which pain scales should be used on infants?
NIPS, PIPP
What are the 4 newborn measurements that should be taken?
Weight, length, head circumference, chest circumference (not routinely done)
what should be looked at for a newborn’s skin?
Color, texture, turgor, variations
When do state grey patches normally fade?
Over 3-5 years
2 important assessments to NOT be done on newborn eyes
Perrla, red reflex
What is the tonic neck reflex?
Head is turned to one side, extremities on same side extend and the ones on the opposite side flex
What is the babinski reflex?
When stroking the sole of foot causes the big toe to bend backwards
What is the Moro reflex (startle)?
Response to sudden movement/loud noises which should result in symmetric extension and abduction of arms with fingers extended, then returns back to normal relaxed flexion
What are the neuromuscular characteristics that should be assessed?
Posture, square window sign, recoil, popliteal angle, scarf sign, heel-to-ear extension
What are the 6 physical characteristics to be assessed for gestational age?
Skin, lanugo, plantar creases, areola/breast bud tissue, eye/ear form and cartilage, genitals (male/female)
What are hemangiomas?
Birthmarks
When should you be worried about cafe au lait spots?
> 5 spots, >.5cm diameter
How long will nevus vasculosis grow?
Up to 6 months, then it will shrink
When does a nevus flammeus birthmark fade?
Never
Difference between caput and cephalhematoma
Caput has serous fluid that can be palpated on the head
Cephalhematoma has blood under the sutures of the skull
How long does it take for Nevus simplex to fade?
Several months to years, but may last until adulthood
What % of newborns have erythema toxicum?
70%
How many babies have milia at birth?
40%
What can be assessed during an oral assessment?
Oxygenation, dehydration, and malformations
What is the difference between natal teeth and epstein’s pearls?
Natal teeth are real teeth
Epstein’s pearls are keratin-filled sacs in gums
How many babies have tongue-tie?
4%
What can loose nuchal skin be indicative of?
Downe’S syndrome, Turner syndrome
Why is it important to look at plantar creases?
Helps to indicate gestational age
What can palmar creases indicate?
Genetic disorder
How do we correct erb’s palsy?
It will resolve on its own
What does a galeazzi sign assess?
Hip symmetry
How far should the sacral dimple be from the anus? Why do we assess this?
2.5cm
To assess for neural tube defects
