Newborn Physiology Flashcards
Where are the most critical changes in a newborn?
Respiratory and cardiac system
What chemical events initiate breathing?
Mild asphyxia, hypoxia⇒ decreased PO2, pH, and increased CO2
Which 2 things prompt fetal circulatory structures to begin closing?
First breath plus cutting umbilical cord
When does surfactant production begin?
Around 24-25 weeks
When does surfactant production peak?
34-36 weeks
What is surfactant made up of?
Lecithin & sphingomyelin in a 2:1 ratio (ideally)
Respiratory rate of a newborn
60-70, up to 100
Will decrease to 30-60
Signs of respiratory distress in newborns
Grunting, flaring, retracting, tachyphea, cyanosis, pallor, poor muscle tone, apnea
Which circulatory structures close on the fetus to transition into adult circulation?
Foramenovale, ductus arteriosus, ductus venous
Are crackles a normal finding when listeningto a newborn’s lungs?
Yes, for the first few hours, infants have a lot of mucus innings
When does the foramen ovale close?ductus arteriosus?ductus venosus?
Foramen ovale: Closes functionally 1-2 hours after birth (permanently after 2-4 months)
Ductus arteriosus: closes functionally 10-15 hours after birth (permanently in 1-2 weeks)
Ductus venosus: closes functionally soon after birth (permanently at 1-2 weeks)
Where are the pressure changes when the transition from fetal to neonatal circulation occurs?
Heart / pulmonary & systemic circulation
When should an infant’s cardiovascular assessment be performed?
When the infant is asleep/quiet
What is an infant’s heart rate normally?
110-160
What is a passing oximetry screen for an infant?
≥ 95% 02 sat in right hand or foot
≤ 3% difference between right hand and foot
What is a failing oximetry test for an infant?
<90% in initial/repeat screening either foot or right hand
90-94% in right hand and foot on 3 measures 1 hour apart
> 3% difference in 02 sat by right hand and either foot on 3 measures, 1 hour apart
Where is pre ductal blood?
Right hand/arm
Where is post ductal blood?
Lower extremities
Normal temperature for a newborn?
Axillary= 36.5-37.5°C (97.7-99.5°F)
Why are transient murmurs not uncommon in infants?
Not all of the ducts in the heart are fully closed yet
How does an infant produce heat?
Nonshivering thermogenesis, increase in muscle activity/restlessness, peripheral vascular constriction
Why is the breakdown of brown fat not ideal?
Consumes a lot of calories and oxygen
What are the 4 methods of heat loss?
Conduction, convection, evaporation, radiation
What is conduction?
Contact with cold objects
What is convection?
Cold air draft
What is evaporation?
Wet/moist skin dried by air resulting in cooling
What is radiation?
No direct contact, transfer of heat to a cooler object
What hormone is released to metabolize brown fat?
Norepinephrine