The infant at birth Flashcards
What are the immediate routine procedures after an infant is born?
Heat conservation measures and drying the infant.
Why is it important to dry the infant immediately after birth?
Drying the infant can often initiate breathing and prevent excessive cooling
When should breathing be assessed in a newborn?
When should breathing be assessed in a newborn?
What should be done if an infant’s breathing is poor after birth?
What should be done if an infant’s breathing is poor after birth?
What position should a well-breathing infant be placed in after birth?
The kangaroo-care position (skin-to-skin) on the mother’s abdomen.
Why is kangaroo care recommended for newborns?
Kangaroo care helps keep newborns warm and facilitates bonding between mother and baby.
When is suctioning of the mouth and pharynx necessary for a newborn?
Suctioning is only necessary if resuscitation is required, not routinely.
What should be done if an infant has a lot of secretions?
Turn the infant on their side to allow secretions to drain naturally.
Why should suctioning with a towel or holding the infant upside down be avoided?
These actions can cause damage or stimulate a vagal response in the infant.
How soon after birth can routine management of the newborn typically be delayed?
Routine management can usually be delayed for 30 minutes while the mother meets her infant.
When is the Apgar score typically done in infants?
The Apgar score is done at one minute after birth for all infants.
Where can the Apgar score be conducted?
The Apgar score can be conducted while the infant is still with the mother.
When should the Apgar score be repeated if the one-minute score is not normal?
The Apgar score should be repeated at five minutes to document any improvement with resuscitation.
Is a five-minute Apgar score necessary if the one-minute score is normal?
No, unless the infant deteriorates, a five-minute assessment is usually not required.
What is the purpose of the Apgar score?
To assess and document the infant’s condition after birth, including their vital signs and overall well-being.
How many criteria are assessed in the Apgar score?
Appearance
Pulse
Grimace
Activity
Respiration
At what minute mark is the Apgar score most commonly performed?
The Apgar score is most commonly performed at one minute after birth
Why is it important to document any improvement in the infant’s condition with resuscitation?
To track the effectiveness of medical interventions and guide further treatment if necessary.
What is the highest possible Apgar score?
10
Why is it advisable to delay clamping the umbilical cord in a newborn?
Delaying clamping allows for blood transfusion from the placenta, improving the infant’s iron stores and increasing blood volume.
What happens to the umbilical arteries in a normal infant shortly after delivery?
The umbilical arteries go into spasm within minutes of delivery.
How long should one wait before clamping the umbilical cord to improve iron stores in the infant?
Waiting one to two minutes after birth can significantly improve the infant’s iron stores.
What can be done if the infant needs to be moved for resuscitation before cord clamping?
Cord milking can be considered as an alternative to immediate clamping.
How far from the skin is the umbilical clamp applied before cutting the cord?
The umbilical clamp is applied around the cord 2 cm from the skin.
What caution should be taken when cutting the umbilical cord?
Beware of spraying blood into your eyes when cutting the cord.
Beware of spraying blood into your eyes when cutting the cord.
The stump can be cleaned with
-saline,
-alcohol, or
-chlorhexidine.
When does the umbilical stump typically fall off after birth?
The umbilical stump usually comes away between 7 and 14 days after birth.
What is the purpose of cleaning the umbilical stump?
To prevent infection and promote healing of the umbilical area
What is the role of the umbilical vein in a newborn’s circulation?
The umbilical vein carries oxygenated blood from the placenta to the infant’s circulation.
What is the purpose of routine prophylaxis against gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum?
To prevent eye infections in newborns, especially in high-risk areas.
Which eye ointment is typically used for routine prophylaxis against gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum?
Chloromycetin eye ointment.
Besides gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum, what other infections can erythromycin or tetracycline ointment help prevent?
Erythromycin or tetracycline ointment can prevent Chlamydia conjunctivitis.
When can prophylactic eye ointment administration be delayed?
Prophylactic eye ointment administration can be delayed until after the mother meets her infant and the placenta is safely delivered.
What is the benefit of delaying prophylactic eye ointment administration?
Allowing the mother to first meet her infant and ensuring the safe delivery of the placenta.
What is the alternative to chloromycetin eye ointment for preventing eye infections in newborns?
Erythromycin or tetracycline ointment.
What type of eye infection can erythromycin or tetracycline ointment help prevent?
Chlamydia conjunctivitis.
What is the risk factor for gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum?
Being born in high-risk areas.
What is the primary reason for administering prophylactic eye ointment to newborns?
To prevent eye infections that can lead to serious complications.
What is the recommended route for administering vitamin K1 to newborns?
Intramuscular injection into the anterolateral thigh.
What is the purpose of administering vitamin K1 to newborns?
To prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn.
Why is the use of oral vitamin K1 not recommended for routine use in newborns?
Because repeated doses are required, especially in breastfed infants.
How much vitamin K1 is typically given to newborns through intramuscular injection?
1 mg of vitamin K1 (Konakion).
Where is the intramuscular injection of vitamin K1 usually administered in newborns?
Into the anterolateral thigh.
What condition does vitamin K1 supplementation in newborns aim to prevent?
Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn.
What is another name for vitamin K1?
Konakion.
What is the recommended dosage of vitamin K1 for newborns?
1 mg
What measures should be taken to identify the newborn before leaving the labor ward?
Name tags should be placed on the infant’s wrist and ankle.
What assessments should be performed before leaving the labor ward?
Weighing the infant,
measuring head circumference, and
measuring length.
What is the recommendation for term infants and larger preterm infants delivered vaginally?
They should remain with their mothers from the time of delivery.
When should healthy infants delivered by Caesarean section be observed in the nursery?
They usually do not need to be observed in the nursery and can stay with the mother.
What action should be taken if there is doubt about the well-being of the infant?
Observe the infant for a few hours in the nursery before rejoining the mother.
What efforts should be made regarding the mother and her infant?
Every effort should be made to keep them together.
Why is it important to put the newborn to the breast immediately after birth?
It helps prevent hypoglycemia, assesses sucking ability, and provides antibodies in the colostrum.
What is the significance of the first feed for a newborn?
The first feed provides important nutrients, antibodies in colostrum, and helps prevent hypoglycemia.
What should be done if the newborn is not put to the breast at birth?
Allow the infant to suckle as soon as possible
Why is early bathing not recommended for newborns?
It offers no physiological advantage and should be delayed, especially for preterm or ill infants.
How should infants born to HIV-positive women be managed after delivery regarding bathing?
They should be well dried to remove contaminated blood and secretions but do not need an urgent bath.
What is the role of vernix in newborns?
Vernix is bacteriostatic and protects against skin infections.
