Paediatrics - neonatology, development and genetics Flashcards
what cells produce surfactant
type II alveolar cells
what is the function of surfactant
to reduce the surface tension of the fluid in the lungs, and keeping alveoli inflated and maximising the surface area of the alveoli
- increases lung compliance
at what age do babies start to produce surfactant
between 24-34 weeks of gestation
what are required to maintain the ductus arteriosus
prostaglandins
what are issues surrounding neonatal resuscitations
- babies have a large surface area to weight ratio and get cold easily
- babies are born wet so loose heat rapidly
- babies are born through meconium which may enter their mouth and airway
what are the principles of neonatal resuscitation
- Need to warm the baby
- calculate the APGAR score
- stimulate breathing
- Inflation breaths
- chest compressions
- severe situations
what can you do to keep a new baby warm
- get the baby dry as quickly as possible, vigorous drying also helps stimulate breathing
- keep baby warm with warm delivery rooms and a heat lamp
- babies under 28 weeks are placed in a plastic bag while wet and managed under a heat lamp
how can you stimulate breathing in a new baby
- stimulate the baby to prompt breathing, like vigorous rubbing with a towel
- place babies head in a neutral position to keep the airway open
- if gasping or unable to breath check for obstruction and consider aspiration
when are inflation breaths required in a new baby
when the neonate is gasping or not breathing despite adequate initial stimulation
how do you give inflation breaths in a neonate
two cycles of five inflation breaths (3 seconds each) to stimulate breathing and heart rate
if no response then 30 seconds of ventilation breaths
if still no response then chest compressions are used
what should be used for inflation breaths in
a. term babies
b. pre-term babies
a. air
b. air and oxygen
when do you start chest compressions in a neonate
if the heart rate remains below 60bpm despite resuscitation and inflations breaths
what ratio are chest compressions performed at with ventilation breaths
3:1
what is a baby at risk of with prolonged hypoxia
hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy
what are the different things measured in the APGAR score
Appearance - skin colour
Pulse
Grimmace - response to stimulation
Activity - muscle tone
Respiration
what is the APGAR score used for
used as an indicator of the progress over the first five minutes of life
what is placental transfusion
this is delayed cord clamping
what are the benefits of delayed cord clamping
improved haemoglobin, iron stores and blood pressure
reduction in interventricular haemorrhage and necrotising enterocolitis
what are the current guidelines from the resuscitation council UK on delayed cord clamping
uncompromised neonates should have a delay of at least one minute in the clamping of the umbilical cord following birth
what is considered a slow hear rate in a newborn
between 60-100 bpm
how do you deliver chest compressions in a newborn
three compressions to one ventilation
30 inflations and 90 compressions per minute
what temperature should newborns be maintained between
36.5-37.5
what are the important steps to do immediately after birth of a baby
skin to skin
delayed cord clamping
dry the baby
keep baby warm with hats and blankets
vitamin K
label the baby
measure weight and length
why is it important to give vitamin K after birth
babies are born with a deficiency of vitamin K. As it is required for normal clotting of blood vitamin K is given to all babies via IM injection as standard practice
- Can also give it orally as drops but takes longer to act and requires three doses