Neonatal Characteristics Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What characteristic is associated with infants born at 24-25 weeks gestational age regarding their skin?

  • Skin that is loose and dry.
  • Very thin skin with visible veins. (correct)
  • Thick skin with minimal visible veins.
  • Skin covered with abundant vernix caseosa.

Which of the following statements accurately describes the arm recoil of a full-term infant?

  • Arms recoil past 90 degrees. (correct)
  • Arms do not show any recoil.
  • Arms recoil only to 60 degrees.
  • Arms exhibit limited recoil.

What neuromuscular characteristic of a full-term infant is reflected by a popliteal angle of 42 weeks gestation?

  • Decreased resistance indicating mature tone. (correct)
  • Increased resistance indicating immature tone.
  • Normal flexion but with limited recoil.
  • Severe hypertonicity of the lower limbs.

What observation regarding the ears would be typical for an infant born at 24-25 weeks gestational age?

<p>No or very limited recoil. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the lanugo of a full-term infant?

<p>Absent or minimal lanugo is present. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary pathologic cause leading to large for gestational age (LGA) infants?

<p>Maternal diabetes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT commonly associated with small for gestational age (SGA) infants?

<p>Macrosomia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is commonly seen in SGA infants due to their lack of fat stores?

<p>Cold stress (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions can lead to small for gestational age (SGA) due to inadequate fetal nutrition?

<p>Maternal malnutrition (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which common complication of LGA infants can occur immediately after birth?

<p>Hypoglycemia (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What physical condition related to SGA can increase the risk of impaired gas exchange?

<p>Meconium aspiration (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which assessment method involves measuring the resistance to stretching of extensor muscles in the forearm?

<p>Square window test (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of creases on the plantar surface of a neonate's feet?

<p>They develop with increased gestational age. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is primarily responsible for increased infant mortality in preterm births in the United States?

<p>Premature infants account for high morbidity rates (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what gestational age do male testes typically descend into the scrotum?

<p>30 weeks (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What observation is associated with increased gestational age regarding the infant's posture?

<p>Increased muscle tone resulting in lower extremity flexion (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential indicator of fetal alcohol syndrome in the mouth examination of an infant?

<p>Thin upper lip with a smooth philtrum (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What Silverman-Anderson Index score indicates no respiratory distress based on chest and abdomen movement?

<p>0 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following signs in a neonate's ears could suggest Trisomy 13 or Trisomy 18?

<p>Low-set ears (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might a significant lag in head movement when lifted from a supine position suggest about an infant's neck condition?

<p>Injury to the sternocleidomastoid muscle (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what gestational week does the production of vernix caseosa typically begin?

<p>Week 20 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the presence of white patches on a neonate's mucous membranes or tongue?

<p>Infection with Candida albicans (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which skin characteristic is often observed in newborns due to apneic conditions or chilling?

<p>Mottling (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition in newborns is characterized by a sudden appearance of erythema over a large skin area?

<p>Erythema toxicum (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which assessment technique is used to examine a newborn's initial response to sound?

<p>Observation of startle reflex (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is most indicative of immature sucking ability in infants around 32 weeks of gestation?

<p>Difficulty with non-nutritive sucking (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If an infant shows asymmetrical movement of the mouth during a sucking assessment, what condition could this indicate?

<p>Facial nerve injury (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of normal neonatal eyes?

<p>Bluish or bluish-white sclera (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an abnormal finding in the examination of a neonate's mouth that could signify a disorder?

<p>Ridge of frenulum tissue indicating tongue-tied (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What could indicate a congenital anomaly related to the male genitalia's size?

<p>A penis measuring 2 cm (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which observation in female genitalia may suggest a gender abnormality?

<p>An enlarged clitoris (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of the testes is considered normal during examination?

<p>Testes measuring 1.5-2 cm in diameter (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What indicates possible hydrocele when examining a large scrotum?

<p>Transillumination examination (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about vaginal discharge in neonates is true?

<p>White or pink-tinged discharge is common for 2-4 weeks (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What sensory capability significantly improves in neonates after clearing their nasal passages?

<p>Sense of smell (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of the neonate's vision is accurate?

<p>Neonates can fixate at 8-14 inches (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which physical examination finding in male genitalia should prompt further investigation for urination issues?

<p>Displacement of the urinary meatus (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In evaluating the respiratory status of a neonate, which characteristic should be documented?

<p>Breath sounds during auscultation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does bruising of the labia majora in a neonate typically indicate?

<p>Possibility of breech birth trauma (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic differentiates cephalohematoma from caput succedaneum?

<p>Cephalohematoma appears after several hours post-birth. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an indicator of potential gastrointestinal anomalies in a neonate?

<p>Distended abdomen with engorged vessels. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the assessment of a neonate's spine, which finding is concerning for spina bifida occulta?

<p>C-shaped spine. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a normal finding during a genital examination of a male neonate?

<p>Testes may be undescended. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What observation during a musculoskeletal assessment might indicate cerebral palsy?

<p>Maintenance of the fetal position. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following findings during a rectal examination indicates a concern?

<p>Meconium absence after 24 hours. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of a single umbilical artery suggest during a neonatal assessment?

<p>Potential congenital anomalies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What abnormal finding in the neonate's extremities may indicate cardiac anomalies?

<p>Cyanosis of the nails. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be expected regarding the infant's liver during an abdominal examination?

<p>Palpable 1-2 cm below the right costal margin. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an important indication that may suggest a need for further investigation of a neonate's abdomen?

<p>Presence of engorged abdominal vessels. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Normal Assessments

  • Modified Ballard Score assesses neuromuscular maturity and includes six measurements:

    • Posture shows muscle tone; increased flexion indicates greater gestational age.
    • Square window test measures wrist flexion; more flexion correlates with maturity.
    • Arm recoil test shows biceps tone; increased recoil indicates maturity.
    • Popliteal angle measurement assesses knee joint flexor tone; greater resistance indicates maturity.
    • Scarf sign measures shoulder flexor tone; more resistance suggests greater gestational age.
    • Heel to ear test assesses pelvic girdle muscle tone; increased resistance shows maturity.
  • Physical Signs of Maturity consist of six indicators:

    • Skin: Immature skin is thin and transparent; vernix caseosa starts at the third trimester.
    • Lanugo: Fine hairs that begin appearing at 24-25 weeks and thin as maturity progresses.
    • Plantar surface: Immature infants lack creases; creases develop with maturity.
    • Breast buds: Fatty tissue under the areola increases in size with maturity.
    • Ears: Increased cartilage leads to rigidity and better recoil as the infant matures.
    • Genitalia Development: Testes descend at 30 weeks for males; females experience labia changes as they mature.

Preterm Infants

  • Defined as infants born before 37 weeks gestation; account for 75-80% of neonatal morbidity and mortality.
  • Common health issues include respiratory distress syndrome, hypothermia due to inadequate fat and large surface area.

Infants Born at 24-25 Weeks

  • Skin: Very thin with visible veins; minimal vernix.
  • Lanugo: Sparse hair.
  • Feet: Smooth or faintly marked plantar surfaces.
  • Areolae: Developing but no breast buds yet.
  • Posture: Limited limb flexion indicative of immaturity.
  • Neuromuscular Tests: Limited arm recoil and significant range of motion noted.

Neuromuscular Characteristics of Full-Term Infants

  • Posture: Mature posture with flexed hips, knees, and arms.
  • Square Window: Wrist flexes to 0° with minimal resistance.
  • Arm Recoil: Robust recoil indicating mature muscle tone.
  • Popliteal Angle: Notable flexion with minimal resistance.

Small for Gestational Age (SGA)

  • Infants below the 10th percentile in weight for gestational age; also known as dysmaturity or IUGR.
  • Common health risks: hypoglycemia, hypothermia, meconium aspiration, and seizures.
  • Causes of SGA include multiple gestations, genetic defects, placental issues, and maternal factors (disease, infections, drug use).

Large for Gestational Age (LGA)

  • Infants above the 90th percentile for weight, often linked to maternal diabetes.
  • Potential health issues include delivery complications, abnormal blood test results, jaundice, and respiratory issues.

Physical Assessment

  • Eyes, Nose, and Mouth: Evaluate symmetry, presence of conjunctivitis, nose patency, and oral mucosa health.
  • Ears: Check for position, shape, pliability, and hearing response.
  • Caput Succedaneum vs. Cephalohematoma: Fluid collection vs. blood collection; caput crosses suture lines, cephalohematoma does not.

Abdomen and Rectum

  • Evaluation of soft, symmetric abdomen; palpation of liver and spleen; umbilical cord assessment (two arteries, one vein).
  • Lack of meconium within 24 hours post-birth may indicate digestive issues.

Back, Spine, and Musculoskeletal System

  • Check for straight spine, symmetrical movement of limbs; absence of clubbing or cyanosis.
  • Muscle tone assessment is crucial for hypoxia or developmental disorders.

Genitalia Assessment

  • Male Genitalia: Normal penis size and position of urethra; palpable testes assessment; scrotum evaluation for hydrocele.
  • Female Genitalia: Labia majora assessment for symmetry and bruising after vaginal delivery.

Neurosensory Capabilities

  • Neonates have acute hearing following birth; vision develops with peripheral vision and fixation capability.
  • Tactile stimulation impacts emotional reactions and sensing of smells.

Chest and Respiratory Status

  • Symmetric chest and flexible rib evaluation; observe for respiratory distress signs.
  • The Silverman-Anderson Index assesses respiratory status; higher scores indicate increased distress.

Skin Characteristics

  • Newborn skin varies based on gestational age; presence of vernix changes over time.
  • Birthmarks like Mongolian spots and nevus flammeus are noted; acrocyanosis is common shortly after birth.### Newborn Assessment Key Terms
  • Mottling: May occur due to apneic or chilled conditions, common for newborns for hours to weeks.
  • Harlequin Sign: Characterized by transient erythema on one side of the body lasting 1-20 minutes.
  • Erythema Toxicum: Presents as perifollicular lesions (1-3 mm) with pustules, typically transient and of unknown origin.
  • Milia: Small raised white spots caused by exposed sebaceous glands, usually found on the face.

Sucking Reflex

  • Triggered by touching the roof of the mouth; begins developing around 32 weeks gestation.
  • Premature infants often exhibit weak sucking due to immature neurological systems.
  • Skills like nonnutritive sucking are critical for stress relief and include sucking hands or pacifiers.

Neurological Reflexes

  • Palmar Grasping: Stroke the palm to elicit a grasp; strong in premature infants and fades by 2-3 months.
  • Rooting: Stroke the cheek to prompt head turning and mouth opening.
  • Moro (Startle): Loud sound or jolt causes limb extension and then retraction.
  • Blinking: Flashing light leads to eyelid closure; absence may indicate issues like cerebral palsy.
  • Tonic Neck (Fencing): Turning the head causes flexion of contralateral limbs; should diminish by 4 months.
  • Babinski (Plantar): Stroking foot causes toe hyperextension; persists until about 2 years.

Jitteriness

  • Common in neonates, characterized by tremors that can persist when excited.
  • Differentiated from seizures by features such as lack of ocular deviations and normal EEG.

Normal Cardiac Rates

  • Newborn:
    • At rest: 100-180 bpm
    • Asleep: 80-160 bpm
  • 1 to 12 weeks:
    • At rest: 100-220 bpm
    • Asleep: 80-200 bpm
  • Monitoring heart rate is vital, especially during apnea.

Vital Signs

  • Temperature stabilizes within 8-12 hours after birth, typically measured axillary.

Blood Pressure Norms

  • Term Infants:
    • Systolic: 56-77 mm Hg
    • Diastolic: 33-50 mm Hg
    • MAP: 42-60 mm Hg
  • Preterm Infants: MAP should match gestational age; hypertensive values vary.

Newborn Appearance, Weight and Measurements

  • Head: Proportionally large
  • Body: Long with short extremities in flexed position
  • Weight: Ranges from 2500-4000 g; average ~3400 g
  • Length: 45-55 cm; average 50 cm
  • Circumferences: Head 32-38 cm (usually greater than chest circumference)

Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS)

  • Assesses neonate's social, motor, and physiological capabilities using 28 behaviors and reflexes.
  • Focuses on neurological, physiological, social, motor, and regulatory aspects, usually performed on day 3 in a calm environment.

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