NICU (test #2 review) Flashcards
What is the concept of correcting for age in premature infants?
Correcting for age adjusts developmental expectations for infants born before 37 weeks of gestation.
How do you calculate corrected age for a premature infant?
Corrected age is calculated by subtracting the number of weeks the infant was born prematurely from their chronological age.
Why is corrected age important for developmental milestones?
It ensures that developmental milestones are assessed based on the infant’s corrected age, not just chronological age.
What are the primary characteristics of a Level III NICU?
Level III NICUs provide life support, manage critically ill infants, and have access to advanced imaging and specialists.
What distinguishes a Level IV NICU from a Level III NICU?
Level IV NICUs offer all Level III capabilities plus complex surgeries for congenital and acquired conditions.
What is the key difference between Level III and Level IV NICUs?
Level IV NICUs can perform surgeries, while Level III NICUs focus on stabilization and non-surgical treatment.
What is Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) and what causes it?
BPD is a chronic lung condition in premature infants caused by underdeveloped lungs and extended ventilation.
What are the common symptoms of BPD in premature infants?
Common symptoms of BPD include rapid breathing (tachypnea), shortness of breath, and bluish skin (cyanosis).
What are the PT considerations when managing infants with BPD?
PT considerations include careful handling, reducing environmental stimulation, and supporting respiration.
What are the long-term consequences of BPD in infants?
BPD can lead to prolonged hospitalization, limited physical activity tolerance, and increased risk of CP.
What are the neurological characteristics of a full-term infant?
Full-term infants exhibit physiological flexion, spontaneous movement, and have well-developed reflexes.
How does the appearance of a premature infant differ from a full-term infant?
Premature infants have fine hair (lanugo), redder skin, less body fat, and lower body temperature.
What neurological differences are seen in premature infants?
Premature infants often have hypotonia, hyperextensibility, and underdeveloped reflexes.
What is the purpose of the APGAR score in newborn assessment?
The APGAR score assesses newborn health at 1, 5, and 10 minutes after birth.
What are the five categories assessed in the APGAR score?
The five categories are Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration.
How is the APGAR score interpreted in newborns?
A score of 7-10 is normal, below 7 may indicate the need for medical intervention.
What strategies can PTs use to reduce pain and stress in the NICU?
Strategies include dimming lights, reducing noise, swaddling, and using kangaroo care.
What are the signs of stress in a neonate that PTs should look for?
Signs include skin color changes, grimacing, irregular breathing, and frantic movements.
How can minimizing handling in the NICU benefit premature infants?
Minimizing handling helps reduce stress and promotes stability in fragile neonates.
What are some ways to promote relationship-based caregiving in the NICU?
Relationship-based caregiving involves understanding cues and supporting infant-parent bonding.
What are the six neonatal states of arousal?
- Deep Sleep
- Light Sleep
- Drowsy
- Alert
- Active Alert
- Crying
Describe the characteristics of the ‘Deep Sleep’ state in neonates.
Deep Sleep is characterized by closed eyes, regular breathing, and no active movement.
What is observed in the ‘Light Sleep’ state of a neonate?
Light Sleep involves closed eyes with small motor movements but no gross movements.
What are the key features of the ‘Drowsy’ state in neonates?
Drowsy state features minimal facial movements and occasional eye opening.
How can you identify when a neonate is in the ‘Alert’ state?
Alert state is marked by open eyes, focused attention, and active gross movements.
What behaviors are typical in the ‘Active Alert’ state of a neonate?
Active Alert includes fussiness, possible eye opening, and increased motor activity.
What defines the ‘Crying’ state in neonates?
The Crying state is defined by intense crying and physical movement.
Why is it important for PTs to recognize different neonatal states of arousal?
Recognizing these states helps PTs tailor interactions to the infant’s current needs.
How does physiological flexion present in a full-term infant?
Physiological flexion in full-term infants contributes to a curled posture.
What breathing characteristics are typical in a full-term infant?
Full-term infants typically breathe through their nose with irregular patterns.
What skin appearance differences are seen between full-term and premature infants?
Premature infants have thinner skin that appears redder due to less fat and maturity.
How does facilitated tucking help reduce pain in the NICU?
Facilitated tucking involves gently holding limbs close to the body during painful events.
What are some benefits of kangaroo care (skin-to-skin contact) for neonates?
Kangaroo care improves bonding, stabilizes heart rate, and regulates body temperature.
What impact does non-nutritive sucking have during painful procedures?
Non-nutritive sucking can help soothe infants during medical procedures.
What autonomic signs indicate stress in a neonate?
Signs include skin changes, muscle tone fluctuations, and altered vital signs.
How can protecting sleep states in the NICU benefit neonatal development?
Protecting sleep states is critical for the neurodevelopment of premature infants.
