Newborn Assessment

Question 1

Heart rate

Answer 1

120-160 beats per minute
“regularly irregular”

Question 2

Respiratory rate

Answer 2

30-60 breaths per minute
nose breathers

Question 3

Temperature

Answer 3

36.5-37.5 C
(97.7-99.5 F)

Question 4

Blood pressure

Answer 4

50-75/30-45

Question 5

APGAR scores evaluate what parameters? What score requires further assessment and intervention?

Answer 5

Activity & muscle tone - active motion, well flexed (2)
Pulse rate - >100 bpm (2)
Grimace/reflex - Cry, cough, sneeze (2)
Appearance/color - pink without cyanosis (2). body pale, extremities blue (1). blue and pale all over (0)
Respirations - good cry (2)
A score < 7 requires further assessment

Question 6

What medications are given to newborns after birth and why?

Answer 6

Erythromycin ointment - prevents ophthalmia neonatorium r/t chlamydia or gonorrhea
Vit K (phytonadione) - IM injection to encourage coagulation.
Hep B vaccine

Question 7

Determine if the following skin conditions are normal or abnormal in a newborn.
Mottling
Milia
Nevi Simplex (stork bites, angel kisses, salmon patches)
Port wine stain
Mongolian spots
Hemangioma
Erythema toxicum
Acrocyanosis
Jaundice

Question 8

Describe the difference between physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice.

Answer 8

Physiological jaundice appears after birth and peaks within 3-4 days. The jaundice is due to unconjugated bilirubin buildup as the liver cannot conjugate bilirubin yet. Bilirubin levels may reach up to 6-10 and will resolve within 5-7 days.

Pathologic jaundice appears after birth and is often caused by Rh incompatibility. Bilirubin levels >25 and treatment involve transfusion. Complication: kernicterus (deposition of bilirubin in the brain)