The Newborn Baby Flashcards
Define “newborn”.
First 24hrs of life.
When should resuscitation be withheld for newborns?
<23 weeks gestation, regardless of signs of life.
At what age is an infant deemed preterm?
<37 weeks
What are the care objectives for a newborn?
- Establish and maintain effective respiration
- Prevent hypothermia
- Tx to appropriate facility
What is the most important indicator of effective ventilation in newborns?
Heart rate - should be used to guide the need/effectiveness of resus.
How can hypothermia be prevented in newborns?
Dry the head and body, place little beanie on head
Place skin to skin with mother
Cover with warm blankets/towels
If resus required, place bubble wrap over newborns body and small towel/beanie on head.
If newborn at term and experienced no complications with birth, Tx to ___________. If not at term or complicated birth, consult with PIPER.
appropriate maternity service.
What is the normal weight of a full term newborn?
3.5kg
What is the normal blood volume of a full term newborn?
80ml/kg
What is the normal heart rate of a full term newborn?
110-170
What is the normal RR of a full term newborn?
25-60
What is the normal temp of a full term newborn?
36.5 - 37.5
What is the normal BGL of a full term newborn?
2.6 - 3.2 mmol
What is the overall appearance of a healthy, full term newborn?
Dusky/peripherally cyanosed for first few mins.
Blueish/purple hands and feet are normal for first 24hrs
Good muscle tone, flexing arms and legs
Spontaneous and regular breathing
What are the expected SPO2 findings of a newborn at 1, 3 , 5 and 7-10mins?
1min - 60 to 70%
3mins - 70 to 90%
5 mins - 80 to 90%
7-10mins - >90%
Where should the newborn SPO2 probe be placed?
Pts right wrist, pre-ductally.
When should a newborn be treated as per the Newborn Resus guideline?
If does not rapidly develop effective respirations and good muscle tone after drying and stimulating; deteriorates at any stage or is unable to maintain HR >100bpm.
How do newborns lose heat?
Via the large surface area of their head and by evaporation from their wet bodies.
If the infant is <32 weeks or <1500g, how is hypothermia managed?
Place newborn in an upside down ziplock, zipping under feet, with a hole in the top cut out for the head. Apply the beanie.
Is routine suction required for newborns?
No, even if born in meconium stained fluid, newborns are likely to clear their own airway effectively.
Can suctioning be detrimental to newborns?
If not indicated, suctioning can delay onset of respirations and cause bradycardia. Only indicated if airway obstructed.
When should the cord be cut?
After it stops pulsating (1-2mins) in the vigorous newborn unless requested otherwise.
If resus required and cord compromises access, cut immediately.
If newborn is breathing adequately and has good muscle tone, what is the management?
- Continue to dry
- Maintain warmth
- Monitor HR, breathing, tone, colour
- Cut cord after 1-2mins when it stops pulsating
- APGAR
If >36 weeks, uncomplicated delivery and stable vital signs, where should the newborn be transported?
Appropriate maternity service (eg. pre-booked)
If 32-36 weeks and stable vitals, where should the newborn be transported?
Level 2 hospital with a paediatrician/midwife in consultation with PIPER
If <32 weeks, or vitals unstable, where should the newborn be transported?
To a tertiary centre in consultation with PIPER
