Newborn Characteristics and Definition

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Questions and Answers

What is the average birth weight of a full-term newborn in developed countries?

5.0 kg

2.0 kg (correct)

4.0 kg

3.5 kg

What percentage of body weight do term neonates typically lose in the first few days after birth?

3-7% (correct)

5-10%

7-10%

1-3%

What is a characteristic of lanugo hair in newborns?

It is thick and coarse.

It is present only in male newborns.

It appears only in full-term babies.

It usually disappears in the first week of life. (correct)

Which of the following skin features is commonly seen in premature babies?

Vernix caseosa Signup and view all the answers

At what age do Mongolian spots typically disappear?

1-2 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the anterior fontanel?

To allow for rapid growth of the skull Signup and view all the answers

At what age does the posterior fontanel typically close?

6-8 weeks Signup and view all the answers

Which reflex is characterized by the baby extending and abducting its arms and legs in response to a sudden stimulus?

Moro reflex Signup and view all the answers

What indicates normal function of the nervous system in a newborn?

Presence of primitive reflexes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a primitive reflex related to feeding?

Moro reflex Signup and view all the answers

Which reflex involves a baby turning its head towards a stimulus when the cheek is touched?

Rooting reflex Signup and view all the answers

At what age do most primitive reflexes related to feeding typically disappear?

4-6 months Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal body temperature range for a newborn baby?

36.5°C-37.0°C Signup and view all the answers

Which reflex occurs when a baby experiences a foreign body in the upper respiratory tract?

Sneezing reflex Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal heart rate range for a newborn baby?

120-160 beats/min Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range for respiratory rate in beats per minute?

12-20 Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle groups are primarily involved in monitoring respiration?

Chest and abdominal muscles Signup and view all the answers

What might indicate an abnormal respiratory rate?

Respiratory rate below 12 beats per minute Signup and view all the answers

Identifying which of the following is essential for monitoring proper respiration?

Counting the movements of chest and abdomen muscles Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following respiratory rates would indicate hyperventilation?

30 beats per minute Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definition of Newborn

Newborn refers to infants within the first 14 days post-birth, applicable to all gestational types: premature, post-mature, and full-term.

Features of Newborn Baby

Weight

Average birth weight in developed countries: approximately 3.5 kg, generally ranging from 2.5 kg to 4 kg.
Weight loss of 3-7% observed in the first few days due to fluid resorption and urination.
Healthy term neonates typically gain 15-20 grams daily after the first week.

Length

Newborn length generally ranges from 35.6 cm to 56 cm.
Male newborns are usually taller than female newborns.

Skin Characteristics

Skin color is often dark pink and may have fine lanugo hairs, especially in premature infants.
Lanugo hair can vanish within the first week; some infants may be born with varying amounts of hair.
Vernix caseosa, a creamy layer, is present in premature infants and disappears by term.
Mongolian spots are transient pigmented marks on the lower back and buttocks, commonly seen in certain ethnic groups, fading by age 1-2 years.
Hemangioma appears as transient pink spots and may occur on the neck or forehead.
Milia are small white spots on the face, disappearing within the first 1-2 weeks.

Head Features

Average head circumference is 33-36 cm.
Anterior fontanel is diamond-shaped, measures approximately 2.0 × 2.5 cm, and closes by 15-18 months.
Posterior fontanel is triangular-shaped, with closure by 6-8 weeks.

Chest and Muscular Development

Chest circumference measures 30-33 cm, typically smaller or equal to head circumference.
Muscles are weak yet possess full strength at birth.

Nervous System

Brain of newborns is immature; responses are mostly through primitive reflexes.
The presence of these reflexes indicates a healthy nervous system.

Primitive Reflexes

Motor Reflexes: Include Moro reflex, grasping, stepping, knee jerk, and plantar reflexes.
Feeding Reflexes: Include rooting, sucking, and swallowing reflexes.
Protective Reflexes: Sneezing, coughing, blinking, yawning, and gagging reflexes.

Vital Signs

Temperature: Normal body temperature ranges from 36.5°C to 37°C; can fluctuate due to environmental factors.
Heart Rate: Typical range is 120-160 beats per minute; increases when the baby cries.
Respiratory Rate: 12-20 breaths per minute, monitored by observing chest and abdomen movements.

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Description

Explore the essential features and definitions of newborns, including their weight, length, and skin characteristics. This quiz covers important aspects of infant development in the first 14 days post-birth. Test your knowledge on the unique traits of newborns across different gestational types.