newborn assessment - Sheet1 Flashcards

1
Q

What is the normal respiratory rate for a newborn?

A

30-60 breaths per minute (count for a full minute).

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2
Q

What is the normal heart rate for a newborn?

A

110-160 beats per minute (count for a full minute).

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3
Q

What is the normal axillary temperature for a newborn?

A

97.7-99.5°F (36.5-37.5°C).

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4
Q

What is the normal blood pressure for a newborn?

A

Systolic: 60-80 mmHg / Diastolic: 40-50 mmHg.

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5
Q

What is caput succedaneum, and does it cross suture lines?

A

Edema caused by birth trauma; it crosses suture lines.

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6
Q

What is cephalhematoma, and does it cross suture lines?

A

Trauma from birth; does not cross suture lines.

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7
Q

When can fontanelles bulge in a newborn?

A

When crying or bearing down; this is a normal finding.

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8
Q

What are Mongolian spots?

A

Pigmentation changes on the back or buttocks; normal finding.

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9
Q

What are milia?

A

Small, raised white spots on the skin; normal finding.

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10
Q

What is the normal head circumference for a newborn?

A

32-39 cm (14-15 inches).

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11
Q

What is the normal chest circumference for a newborn?

A

30-36 cm (12-14 inches).

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12
Q

What is the normal length for a newborn?

A

44-55 cm (17-22 inches).

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13
Q

What is the normal weight range for a newborn?

A

2500-4000 grams (5 lb 8 oz - 8 lb 14 oz).

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14
Q

What is acrocyanosis, and is it normal?

A

Blue extremities; normal during the first 24 hours.

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15
Q

What cardiovascular changes occur in a newborn?

A

Closure of ductus arteriosus, ductus venosus, and foramen ovale.

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16
Q

What are the characteristics of the umbilical cord?

A

2 arteries and 1 vein; it should be dry, with no odor or drainage.

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17
Q

How does head circumference compare to chest circumference in a newborn?

A

Head circumference is 2-3 cm larger than chest circumference.

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18
Q

What vital statistics measurements are taken for a newborn?

A

Head circumference, chest circumference, length/height, and abdominal circumference.

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19
Q

How often should a newborn’s weight be checked?

A

Daily.

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20
Q

What is the average birth weight for a female newborn?

A

7.0 lb.

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21
Q

What is the average birth weight for a male newborn?

A

7.5 lb.

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22
Q

What does a birth weight >4.5 kg indicate?

A

Macrosomia, usually related to gestational diabetes mellitus.

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23
Q

Why do newborns lose 5-10% of birth weight in the first few days?

A

Due to lack of hormonal influence, voiding, stooling, and reduced intake from feeding.

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24
Q

What is the normal temperature for a newborn?

A

Around 99°F.

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25
Q

Why do newborns need protection from heat loss?

A

They have immature temperature regulation mechanisms.

26
Q

What helps conserve or produce body heat in mature newborns?

A

Brown fat.

27
Q

What methods help keep a newborn warm?

A

Skin-to-skin contact, swaddling, wearing a hat, radiant warmer, and warm blankets.

28
Q

What are the four methods of heat loss prevention?

A

Conduction, convection, evaporation, and radiation.

29
Q

What is the normal pulse for a newborn?

A

120-160 bpm.

30
Q

How long should the apical pulse be auscultated?

A

For 1 minute.

31
Q

Where is the apical pulse located in children <7 years?

A

Lateral to the left midclavicular line and fourth intercostal space.

32
Q

Where is the apical pulse located in children >7 years?

A

To the left of the midclavicular line and fifth intercostal space.

33
Q

How do crying and sleeping affect a newborn’s heart rate?

A

Crying increases HR; sleeping decreases HR.

34
Q

Why is it important to palpate femoral pulses?

A

To document their presence.

35
Q

What is the normal respiratory rate for a newborn?

A

30-60 breaths per minute.

36
Q

What are periodic respirations in newborns?

A

Irregular breathing with periods of apnea up to 10 seconds.

37
Q

How can respiratory rate (RR) be most easily observed?

A

By watching the movement of the newborn’s abdomen.

38
Q

What reflexes help clear a newborn’s airways?

A

Coughing and sneezing.

39
Q

Why are newborns obligate nose breathers?

A

To facilitate breathing; they show respiratory distress if nostrils are obstructed.

40
Q

What device is used to clear a newborn’s nostrils?

A

A bulb syringe.

41
Q

Why are newborns born with prolonged coagulation times?

A

They have lower levels of vitamin K.

42
Q

What is given to newborns to promote blood coagulation?

A

Vitamin K, administered IM into the lateral anterior thigh immediately after birth.

43
Q

What is the name of the first stool a newborn passes?

A

Meconium.

44
Q

When should a newborn pass meconium?

A

Within 24 hours after birth.

45
Q

What could delayed meconium passage (24-48 hours) indicate?

A

Meconium ileus, imperforate anus, or volvulus.

46
Q

When should a newborn void for the first time?

A

Within 24 hours of birth.

47
Q

What does newborn urine look like?

A

Light-colored and odorless.

48
Q

Why might a newborn’s first void appear pink or dusky?

A

Uric acid crystals; this is an innocent finding.

49
Q

How can diaper weighing help assess voiding?

A

It determines the amount of voiding when there is a concern.

50
Q

Why do newborns have limited immunologic protection?

A

They cannot produce antibodies until about 2 months old.

51
Q

What type of passive immunity do newborns receive?

A

IgG antibodies from the mother, crossing the placental barrier.

52
Q

What diseases does passive immunity protect against?

A

Poliomyelitis, measles, diphtheria, pertussis, chickenpox, rubella, and tetanus.

53
Q

What vaccine is routinely given to newborns before discharge?

A

Hepatitis B vaccine.

54
Q

Why should healthcare staff with cold sores avoid newborn care?

A

Newborns have little immunity to HSV, which can become systemic and fatal.

55
Q

How do term newborns demonstrate neuromuscular function?

A

By moving their extremities, head, producing a strong cry, and exhibiting reflexes.

56
Q

What does limpness or absence of muscular response in a newborn indicate?

A

It is abnormal and requires urgent attention.

57
Q

What does hypotonia, lethargy, poor sucking, or seizures in a newborn suggest?

A

These are concerning signs that require urgent attention.

58
Q

What is the rooting reflex, and how is it elicited?

A

Stroking the infant’s cheek causes the head to turn toward the touch, and the mouth opens for feeding.

59
Q

What is the gripping reflex?

A

When something is placed in the infant’s hand, they grasp it strongly, almost enough to support their weight.

60
Q

What is the toe curling reflex?

A

Stroking the inner sole causes toes to curl; stroking the outer sole causes toes to spread out.

61
Q

What is the Moro (startle) reflex?

A

A sudden noise or movement causes the infant to throw their head back, arms and legs out, and cry.

62
Q

What is the Galant reflex?

A

Stroking the infant’s lower back near the spinal cord causes them to curve toward the stroked side.