Unit 3 Flashcards
Reflexes
Unlearned responses triggered by specific stimulation. Most major reflexes found in newborns fade over time.
Babinski
A baby’s toes fan out when the sole of the foot is stroked from heel to toe.
Blink
A baby’s eyes close in response to bright light or loud noise. This reflex is permanent.
Moro
A baby throws its arms out and then inward (as if embracing) in response to loud noise or when its head falls.
Palmar
A baby grasps an object placed in the palm of its hand.
Rooting
When a baby’s cheek is stroked, it turns its head toward the stroking and opens its mouth.
Stepping
A baby who is held upright by an adult and then moved forward begins to step rhythmically.
Sucking
A baby sucks when an object is placed in its mouth.
Apgar Score
A quick assessment that scores the infant based on their respiration, heart rate, muscle tone, skin tone, and presence of reflexes.
Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS)
A more comprehensive evaluation when a newborn needs special attention and care following their Apgar Score evaluation. Includes 46 items that are used to evaluate the functioning of four particular systems: autonomic, motor, state, and social.
Autonomic
The baby’s ability to control body functions such as breathing and temperature regulation.
Motor
The baby’s ability to control body movements and activity level.
State
The baby’s ability to maintain a state (eg. staying alert or asleep).
Social
The baby’s ability to interact with people.
How many newborn’s states are there?
Four different states: alert inactivity, waking activity, crying, and sleeping.
Alert Activity
The baby is calm with open and attentive eyes; seems to be deliberately inspecting the environment.
Waking Activity
The baby’s eyes are open but unfocused; the arms or legs move in bursts of uncoordinated motion.
Crying
The baby cries vigorously, usually accompanied by agitated but uncoordinated movement.
Sleeping
The baby alternates between being still and breathing regularly to moving gently and breathing irregularly; eyes are closed.
Basic Cry
Cry that starts softly and gradually becomes more intense; often heard when babies are hungry or tired.
Mad Cry
More intense version of a basic cry.
Pain Cry
Cry that begins as a sudden long burst, followed by a long pause and gasping.
Irregular or Rapid-Eye Movement (REM) Sleep
Irregular sleep in which an infant’s eyes dart rapidly beneath the eyelids while the body is quite active.
Regular or nonREM Sleep
Sleep in which heart rate, breathing, and brain activity are steady. This becomes less frequent as infants grow.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
When a healthy baby dies suddenly for no apparent reason.
Temperament
Consistent style or pattern of behavior; the genetic building blocks of personality.