Test 1: Birth - 3 months old Flashcards
Teratogens
Agents or factors that cause malformation of an embryo or fetus. Common teratogens include certain drugs, alcohol, and infections.
Relevance: Teratogens can lead to developmental anomalies that may affect physical therapy interventions. Understanding potential teratogens helps therapists anticipate and address developmental issues early.
Lanugo
Fine, soft hair covering the body of a fetus, usually present around the 5th month of gestation.
Relevance: Lanugo is typically shed before birth. The presence or absence of lanugo in premature infants can give clues about gestational age and development, influencing physical therapy assessments.
Quickening
The first movements of the fetus felt by the mother, usually occurring around 18-20 weeks of pregnancy.
Relevance: Quickening is a sign of fetal development and activity. Physical therapists may consider fetal movement patterns when evaluating maternal health and advising on exercises.
Vernix Caseosa
A white, cheesy substance that covers the skin of the fetus, providing protection and lubrication.
Relevance: Vernix caseosa usually disappears after birth. It’s important to note its presence and condition during newborn assessments as it can affect skin care practices.
Linea Nigra
A dark vertical line that appears on the abdomen of pregnant women due to hormonal changes.
Relevance: This is not directly relevant to physical therapy but understanding maternal changes helps in providing comprehensive care and counseling.
Chloasma (Melasma)
Dark pigmentation patches on the face of pregnant women, often called the “mask of pregnancy.”
Relevance: Similar to linea nigra, it’s primarily of dermatological concern but understanding these changes helps therapists in holistic care of the pregnant patient.
Braxton-Hicks Contractions
Irregular, usually painless contractions of the uterus that occur during pregnancy, often described as “practice contractions.”
Relevance: These contractions are a normal part of pregnancy, but distinguishing them from true labor contractions is crucial for physical therapists providing prenatal care and exercises.
Relaxin
A hormone that increases flexibility in the pelvis and prepares the body for childbirth.
Relevance: Increased flexibility can affect joint stability. Physical therapists need to be aware of relaxin’s effects when designing safe exercise programs for pregnant patients.
Nesting Instinct
A surge of energy and the urge to prepare the home for the baby’s arrival.
Relevance: This psychological and physical preparation phase may impact a pregnant patient’s activity levels and stress. It can be considered when planning physical activity and stress management strategies.
Lightening
The dropping of the baby into the pelvis in preparation for birth.
Relevance: Lightening can affect the mother’s posture and mobility. Physical therapists might need to adjust interventions based on changes in the mother’s center of gravity.
Effacement
The thinning of the cervix during labor.
Relevance: Effacement is part of the labor process, influencing the type of physical support and positioning strategies that may be needed during labor.
Crowning
The stage during childbirth when the baby’s head becomes visible at the vaginal opening.
Relevance: Physical therapists may assist with perineal support and techniques to manage labor pain during this stage.
Episiotomy
A surgical incision made in the perineum to facilitate childbirth.
Relevance: Post-episiotomy, physical therapy might focus on pelvic floor rehabilitation and perineal care.
Apgar Score
A quick test performed on a newborn at 1 and 5 minutes after birth to assess their physical condition and need for immediate medical care.
Relevance: The Apgar score helps determine the newborn’s immediate physical health, which is crucial for planning any early intervention if needed.
Fontanelles
Soft spots on a baby’s skull where the bones have not yet fused.
Relevance: Fontanelles are assessed for normal development and head shape, which is important for identifying potential cranial abnormalities.
Normal Variance
Molding of the Head
The shaping of the baby’s head during delivery to fit through the birth canal.
Relevance: Molding is normal and typically resolves within a few days. Physical therapists should monitor head shape and development, especially in cases of prolonged or difficult labor.
Normal Variance
Caput
Swelling of the baby’s head caused by pressure during delivery.
Relevance: Caput usually resolves without intervention, but therapists should monitor it to ensure proper recovery and head shape.
Normal Variance
Cephalohematoma
Accumulation of blood between the baby’s skull and the periosteum, typically from a traumatic delivery.
Relevance: Cephalohematoma can lead to abnormal head shape or developmental issues; physical therapy might include cranial molding techniques if necessary.
Normal variant
Facial Asymmetry
Uneven appearance of the face, which can occur due to various factors including birth trauma.
Relevance: Facial asymmetry may affect feeding or developmental milestones, and physical therapists might work with the baby to address any related functional issues.
Normal variant
Milia
Small white cysts on a newborn’s face caused by clogged sweat glands.
Relevance: Milia are harmless and typically resolve on their own. Physical therapists should be aware of these conditions to avoid unnecessary concern.
Normal variant
Conjunctival Hemorrhages
Small areas of bleeding in the whites of the eyes, often caused by the pressure of delivery.
Relevance: These usually resolve on their own, but therapists should monitor for any signs of vision or developmental issues.
Normal variant
Preauricular Pits
Small pits or depressions near the front of the ear, which can be congenital.
Relevance: These are usually benign but may be associated with other congenital anomalies. Physical therapists should be aware in case they are part of a broader pattern of developmental issues.
Normal variant
Epstein’s Pearls
Small, white cysts found in the mouth of newborns, often on the roof of the mouth or gums.
Relevance: These are benign and usually resolve without treatment. Understanding their appearance helps prevent unnecessary concern.
Normal variant
Frenulum Linguae
The small band of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
Relevance: A short or tight frenulum can affect feeding and speech development. Physical therapists may need to address these issues through oral motor therapy.
Normal variant