Nursing Care of the Newborn

Question 1

What does the RAPP assessment sand for?

Answer 1

Respiratory Activity
Perfusion
Position

Question 2

When is the RAPP assessment completed, and what does this assessment tell us?

Answer 2

Done as baby is coming out, and tells us the overall health status & physical abnormalities of the baby

Question 3

What does the APGAR assessment stand for?

Answer 3

o Appearance (color)—>cyanosis (ok on hands & feet)
o Pulse (heart rate) –> tachycardia or bradycardia
o Grimace-> (reflex irritability)
o Activity-> (muscle tone)
o Respiratory-> (respiratory effort)—rhonchi, rales (crackles), wheezing, stridor

Question 4

What is the purpose of the APGAR assessment?

Answer 4

It’s an assessment of a newborn’s transition to extrauterine life

Question 5

When is the APGAR test done?

Answer 5

Done 1 min & 5 min after birth

Question 6

When is a 10 minute APGAR score done?

Answer 6

10 min score is done if 5 min score is < 7

Question 7

What is a healthy APGAR score?

Answer 7

8-10

Question 8

Which score signifies newborn is experiencing moderate difficulty?

Answer 8

4-7

Question 9

Which score signifies newborn is experiencing severe distress & calls for respiratory/resuscitation interventions?

Answer 9

0-3

Question 10

How do you maintain airway patency for a newborn?

Answer 10

o Suction with bulb syringe, mouth first* then nose, if needed –> first respiratory intervention done if needed
o Using a towel to wipe secretions from the mouth for term infants-> if they’re looking good

Question 11

How do you ensure proper identification of the mother/newborn & the significant other?

Answer 11

o Mother/significant other ID bracelets; 2 ID bands on newborn, Same identification number on all, Security band

Question 12

What is the average weight of a newborn?

Answer 12

Weight: 2500-4000g (5lb 8oz – 8lb 14oz)

Question 13

What is the average length of a newborn?

Answer 13

Length: 44-55cm (17-22in)

Question 14

What is the average head circumference of a newborn?

Answer 14

Head circumference: 32-38cm (13-15in)

Question 15

What is the average chest circumference of a newborn?

Answer 15

Chest circumference: 30-36cm (12-14in)

Question 16

How often is weight measured for newborns?

Answer 16

Daily

Question 17

How much weight do newborns typically lose in the first week?

Answer 17

Infants may lose up to 10% of birth weight

Question 18

How long does it take for a newborn to regain their lost weight in the first week?

Answer 18

10-14 days

Question 19

How often should you take vital signs for the newborn?

Answer 19

Q 30 minutes until stable for 2 hours

Question 20

What is the average temperature for a newborn?

Answer 20

97.7 ̊-99.5 ̊

Question 21

What is the average pulse for a newborn?

Answer 21

110-160

Question 22

What is the average respirations for a newborn?

Answer 22

30-60

Question 23

What are some ways to maintain thermoregulation for the newborn?

Answer 23

• Dry infant immediately
• Skin to skin with mom
• Use radiant warmer
• Wrap in warmed blankets
• Neutral thermal environment (NTE)
• Regulate environmental temperature
• Warm room temperature
• Eliminate drafts or ceiling fans

Question 24

What are 2 medications we give to the baby after birth?

Answer 24

• Vitamin K

* Erythromycin

Question 25

What does administering Vitamin K do for the baby?

Answer 25

Helps to synthesize clotting factors (Vastus Lateralis / thigh) 0.5 mL-> prevents bleeding

Question 26

What does administering Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment do for the baby?

Answer 26

Helps to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum conjunctivitis-> If not treated this could lead to blindness