Newborn Care and Statistics Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the normal weight range for Filipino newborns?

2,000 – 2,800 grams

2,500 – 3,500 grams

3,000 – 3,500 grams

2,800 – 3,000 grams (correct)

What should be done to care for the umbilical cord stump?

Apply creams and antiseptics for healing

Immerse the baby in water until it falls off

Keep it clean and dry until it falls off (correct)

Cover it with an abdominal binder to keep it warm

Which of the following reflexes involves the baby turning its head to nurse when the cheek is stroked?

Grasp Reflex

Blink Reflex

Moro Reflex

Rooting Reflex (correct)

What indicates a healthy umbilical cord stump?

A small, pink area remains after it falls off Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range for head circumference in newborns?

34 cm – 35 cm Signup and view all the answers

Which reflex involves the baby grasping objects placed in their palm?

Grasp Reflex Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended bathing method for newborns with an umbilical cord stump?

Sponge baths only Signup and view all the answers

What should parents watch for as signs of infection in the umbilical cord stump?

Swelling, redness, or pus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the extrusion reflex in newborns?

To push out unwanted substances Signup and view all the answers

What reflex is indicated by the crawling movement of a baby when held upright?

Step-in-place reflex Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of milia on a newborn's face indicate?

Normal blocked sebaceous glands Signup and view all the answers

What does the plantar reflex test indicate when the sole of the foot is stroked?

Normal nerve function Signup and view all the answers

What is a normal response for a baby experiencing the Babinski reflex?

Toes fan out Signup and view all the answers

What does desquamation in newborns typically suggest?

Normal skin process Signup and view all the answers

What reflex is indicated by the phenomenon where a baby’s body curves toward one side when the back is stroked?

Trunk incurvation reflex Signup and view all the answers

How is skin turgor assessed in newborns to evaluate hydration?

By pinching the skin Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the anterior fontanelle in a newborn?

It allows for brain growth and skull flexibility. Signup and view all the answers

At what age does the posterior fontanelle typically close?

By 2 months Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a sign of respiratory distress in a newborn?

Nasal flaring Signup and view all the answers

What does a tearless cry in a newborn indicate?

It is normal as the tear ducts are underdeveloped. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Choanal Atresia Test assess in a newborn?

Breathing passage blockage Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by caput succedaneum in a newborn?

Swelling of the scalp from birth pressure Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the newborn's ears is true?

The pinna of the ears can bend but will return to shape. Signup and view all the answers

Which observation is typically considered normal during an eye examination of a newborn?

Subconjunctival hemorrhages which resolve on their own. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical clothing size for most newborns?

5 to 7 lbs Signup and view all the answers

Which method is used for routine newborn screening tests?

Collecting drops of blood via heel-prick Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action to prevent diaper dermatitis?

Wash the diaper area with clear water at each change Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of newborn screenings?

To allow for early detection of developmental disorders Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic does meconium have?

Sticky and tarry Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate size difference between the chest and the head of a newborn?

2 inches smaller than the head Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the nature of witch's milk?

Thin and watery fluid Signup and view all the answers

When should bowel sounds be present in a newborn?

Within 1 hour after birth Signup and view all the answers

How is the Ballard score used in newborns?

To evaluate physical and neuromuscular maturity Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical appearance of a newborn's first stool?

Sticky, dark, and tar-like Signup and view all the answers

What position should babies be placed in to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?

On their backs Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the stomach of a newborn?

Holds about 60 to 90 mL of fluid Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered when dressing a newborn?

A minimal wardrobe with essential items Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Newborn Vital Statistics

Normal weight range for Filipino newborns: 2,800 – 3,000 grams (6 – 6.6 lbs)
Normal length (crown-to-heel) range: 46 cm – 53 cm (18 – 21 inches)
Normal head circumference range: 34 cm – 35 cm
Normal chest circumference range: 32 cm – 33 cm, slightly smaller than head circumference
Abdominal girth is measured around the umbilicus and helps to assess overall health

Umbilical Cord Care

Keep the cord clean and dry until it falls off, usually within 7-10 days.
Give sponge baths; do not immerse in water.
Educate parents on signs of infection: swelling, pus, redness.
Discourage use of abdominal binders over the cord.
Fold diapers below the cord to allow air circulation.
Do not apply creams, alcohol, or antiseptics to the cord stump.
After the cord falls off, a small, pink area may remain; keep it dry for another 24-48 hours to prevent infection.

Newborn Reflexes

Rooting Reflex: When the cheek is stroked, the baby turns its head to nurse.
Moro Reflex: When startled, the baby throws out its arms and pulls them back.
Grasp Reflex: The baby will grasp objects placed in their palm.
Blink Reflex: The baby blinks in response to bright light or when something approaches the eyes.
Sucking Reflex: The baby automatically sucks when the roof of the mouth is touched, aiding in feeding.
Swallowing Reflex: The baby swallows automatically after sucking, allowing them to ingest milk.
Extrusion Reflex: The baby pushes out any object placed on the tongue, preventing unwanted substances from entering.
Palmar Grasp Reflex: The baby grasps any object placed in their palm, showcasing their natural gripping ability.
Step-in-Place Reflex: When held upright, the baby makes stepping movements as if walking.
Placing Reflex: The baby lifts a foot when the top of the foot is touched, helping them adapt to standing.
Plantar Reflex: Toes curl when the sole of the foot is stroked, indicating normal nerve function.
Tonic Neck Reflex: When the head is turned to one side, the arm on that side extends while the opposite arm bends.
Magnet Reflex: The baby pushes against pressure applied to the sole of their foot, showing resistance.
Babinski Reflex: The toes fan out when the sole of the foot is stroked, demonstrating healthy neurological function.
Cross Extension Reflex: When one leg is extended and the sole is touched, the other leg flexes in response.
Trunk Incurvation Reflex: The body curves toward one side when the back is stroked, indicating normal reflex activity.
Landau Reflex: When held in a prone position, the baby lifts their head and arches their back, reflecting muscle strength.
Deep Tendon Reflex: Tapping a tendon causes a contraction in the corresponding muscle, indicating healthy reflexes.

Newborn Physical Assessment

Skin:
- Lanugo: Fine downy hair covering the newborn’s body, especially the shoulders and back. Disappears after a few weeks.
- Desquamation: Peeling skin, usually seen on the palms and soles within 24 hours. It is normal and doesn’t require treatment.
- Milia: Tiny white bumps on the face, especially the nose and cheeks. These are blocked sebaceous glands and disappear in a few weeks.
- Skin Turgor: Pinch the skin; if it quickly returns to normal, the baby is well-hydrated.
Head:
- Fontanelles:
  - Anterior fontanelle: A soft spot at the top of the head; closes between 12-18 months.
  - Posterior fontanelle: Smaller soft spot at the back of the head; closes by 2 months.
- Molding (Cone Head): The baby’s head may appear cone-shaped due to compression during birth, but it will return to normal after a few days.
- Caput Succedaneum: Swelling of the scalp caused by pressure during birth; resolves within a few days.
Eyes and Cry:
- Tearless Cry: Newborns cry without tears because their tear ducts are underdeveloped. Tears typically start around 1-3 months.
- Eye Examination: Eyes should be clear without discharge. Some babies may have subconjunctival hemorrhages (small red spots) due to pressure during birth, which resolve on their own.
Ears:
- The pinna of the ears tends to bend easily but is strong enough to recoil afterward.
- The ears should level with the inner to outer canthus of the eyes.
- Hearing Test: Assess by ringing a bell held about 6 inches from each ear. A crying infant will momentarily stop at the sound. A quiet infant will blink, appear to attend to the sound, and possibly startle.
Nose:
- The nose appears large relative to the face.
- Choanal Atresia Test: Close the newborn’s mouth and compress one naris at a time to check for blockage at the back of the nose. Note any discomfort or distress while breathing. Nasal flaring indicates respiratory distress.
Mouth:
- The mouth should open evenly when the baby cries.
- The newborn's tongue appears large and prominent, and all newborns have mucus in their mouths.
- Palate Inspection: Ensure the palate is intact. Normally, 1-2 small, round glistening cysts (Epstein pearls) are seen in the palate.
Neck:
- The neck is short and often chubby with creased skin folds.
- The head should rotate freely but is not strong enough to support its total weight.
- Newborns make momentary efforts at head control in a sitting position.
- The clavicles should be intact.
- When lying prone, newborns can slightly raise the head to lift the nose out of mucus or spit-up milk.
- The trachea may be prominent at the front of the neck.
** Chest:**
- The chest is approximately 2 inches smaller than the head and symmetrical.
- Breast Engorgement: Both male and female newborns may experience engorged breasts that can secrete thin, watery fluid known as witch's milk. This engorgement typically disappears within a week as maternal hormones clear from the system.
- Lung Sounds: Rhonchi may be heard, which is a harsh, innocent sound of air passing over mucus. This occurs as the alveoli open slowly over the first 24-48 hours, and babies may have mucus in the back of the throat.
Abdomen:
- The abdomen appears slightly protruberant, and bowel sounds should be present within 1 hour after birth.
- The edge of the liver is usually palpable 1-2 cm below the right costal margin, and the spleen is palpable 1-2 cm below the left costal margin.

Gestational Age Assessment

Ballard Score: Used to assess the gestational age of the newborn by evaluating physical and neuromuscular maturity.
- Premature (Preterm): Born before 37 weeks gestation.
- Full Term: Born between 37 to 41 weeks gestation.
- Late Term: Born between 41 to 42 weeks gestation.
- Post Term: Born after 42 weeks gestation.

Meconium and Stool Patterns

First stool (meconium): Passed within the first 24 hours, it is sticky, dark, and tar-like.
Transitional stools: Greenish and loose after the second or third day.
Breastfed stools: By the fourth day, stools are light yellow, soft, and passed 3-4 times a day. Sweet smelling

Sleeping Position

To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), babies should always be placed on their backs to sleep. This position is the safest until the baby can roll over independently.

Clothing

Newborns need a minimal wardrobe; resist buying excessive items.
Basics are essential for newborns.
Recommended items:
- Side-tie or side-snap shirts (until umbilical cord falls off)
- Bodysuits, one-pieces, shirts, pants
- Sleep socks or booties, bonnets, sweaters (for cold weather)
Average newborn clothing fits babies weighing 5 to 7 lbs.
Many babies outgrow newborn sizes within weeks.
Expect multiple outfit changes daily due to messes.
The number of clothing pieces needed depends on laundry frequency.

Diaper Area Care

Start preventing diaper dermatitis from day one.
Wash the diaper area with clear water at each change.
Dry the area thoroughly to avoid irritation.
Prevent ammonia in urine from causing diaper rash.
Newborns’ initial stool is sticky and tarry (meconium). Use cotton or cotton balls wet with clean water or baby oil for removal.
Choose hypoallergenic products to avoid skin irritation.

Newborn Screening

Routine newborn screening tests for developmental, genetic, and metabolic disorders.
Allows for early detection and management before symptoms develop.
Prevents potential mental retardation or death from untreated disorders.
Early diagnosis and treatment support normal growth and development.
Screenings occur within 24-48 hours of life.
Methods include:
- Collecting drops of blood via heel-prick.
- Using a tiny earpiece or microphone for hearing screening.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the vital statistics of newborns and essential care practices. This quiz covers normal weight, length, head circumference, and umbilical cord care. Learn about newborn reflexes and how to identify signs of infections.