session 4 Care of a newborn

Question 1

What are the nursing care requirements of a newborn before being discharged from hospital

Answer 1

Established adequate feeding
obs in normal limits
normal urine and bowel patterns
umbilical cord care
completion of a newborn assessment
detection and management of jaundice
vit K status
hep B vaccination

Question 2

what are considered normal ranges for observations in newborns

Answer 2

pulse 120-140 bpm - palpate brachial pulse, ascultate apical heart rate 1 minute, transient murmurs may be present
Respiration - 30 to 60 breaths per minute, apnoea for 15 seconds can occur “periodic respirations”, likely to have irregular rate, depth and rythm
BP- raises to 100/50 by day 10 post birth , requires appropriate size cuff for an accurate reading, will be a higher reading if newborn is crying
temperature: 37.2

Question 3

how many wet nappies a day does a newborn have?

Answer 3

5-6 wet nappies

Question 4

what is the moro reflex

Answer 4

a response to a sudden loss of support where the newborn feels like they are falling and will spread their arms out and cry.

Question 5

what is the babinski reflex

Answer 5

occurs on the sole of the foot when pressure is applied and the big toe will point upward and the other toes will spread out.

Question 6

what are the safe sleeping requirements educated to new mothers

Answer 6

1. sleep baby on their back from birth
2. sleep baby with head and face uncovered
3. keep baby smoke free before and after birth
4. provide a safe sleeping environment night and day
5. Sleep baby in their own safe sleeping place in the same room as the adult care giver for the first 6-12 mths

Question 7

describe the physiological adaption of the newborn to extra- uterine life

Answer 7

lungs are forced to take in oxygen via a first breath - ending fetal circulation
closure of fetal shunts - ductus arteriosis, foreman ovale
establish respirations
stools and urine passed within 24 hrs
may need feeding every 2 hours
sleeps an average of 16/24 hours a day in first week
5-6 wet nappies a day
immature temperature regulation - more heat lost through head
immature immune system - more susceptible to respiratory viral infections - hand hygience paramount.
Vit k within hours of birth to assist with blood clotting, hep b vaccination given