Newborn Characteristics Quiz

Newborn Characteristics

• Newborn period is the first four weeks of life. It's a transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life.
• Newborn care involves assisting the infant adapt to the external environment and promote well-being.
• Respiratory rate is 30-60 breaths per minute, diaphragmatic breathing, shallow and irregular, and periodic breathing (intermittent apnea) during sleep.
• Heart rate is rapid, 120-160 beats/minute. Blood pressure (BP) ranges from 80/50 mmHg in the first 10 days.
• Peripheral circulation is sluggish, potentially leading to mild cyanosis of hands and feet.
• Normal temperature is 36-37°C. Healthy, clothed term babies regulate temperature effectively. Hyperthermia can occur from heat sources. Infants are vulnerable to hypothermia if exposed to cold or lacking proper nutrition.
• Gastrointestinal system: The mouth's mucous membrane is pink and moist. Stomach capacity is small (15-30ml). Normal gastric emptying time is 2-3 hours. Meconium is present in the large intestine from 16 weeks gestation, passed within 24-72 hours. Stool transitions in color (brownish-yellow) from the 3rd to 5th day, and the infant typically passes 8-10 stools daily or less frequently.
• Immunological adaptation: Newborns possess some immunoglobulin at birth. Breast milk, particularly colostrum, provides passive immunity during the first few months. levels of immunoglobulin M (IgM) at term are 20% of adult levels.
• Vision: Visual structures are present and functional at birth, responsive to bright light.
• Hearing: Newborns turn towards sounds and prefer their mothers' voices.
• Smell/Taste: Infants prefer their mother's milk smell and can differentiate various smells within a few days.
• Touch: Newborns are highly sensitive to touch and enjoy skin-to-skin contact. The grasp reflex enhances bonding.

Assessment of Newborn

• Anthropometric measurements:
  • Head circumference: 33-37 cm
  • Chest circumference: 30-33 cm
  • Weight: 2.5-3.5 kg
  • Length: 45-55 cm
• Posture: Flexion of head and extremities, resting on chest and abdomen.
• Apgar score: assesses respiration, reflexes, irritability, pulse, heart rate, skin color, and muscle tone at 1 and 5 minutes.
  • Scores: 7-10 (normal), 4-6 (mild asphyxia), 0-3 (severe asphyxia)
• Skin: Smooth, flexible, good skin turgor. Covered with vernix caseosa, lanugo hair, Mongolian spots, and milia.
• Eyes: Edematous eyelids, reactive pupils, absence of tears, blinking reflex.
• Ears: Flexible pinna, at the top of the pinna, on the horizontal line with outer canthus of eye.
• Nose: Patent, thin, white discharge.
• Mouth and throat: Intact, high arched palate, minimal salivation, gag, sucking and rooting reflexes.
• Neck: Short, thick, surrounded by skin folds.
• Abdomen: Protuberant contour, soft, three umbilical cord vessels.
• Genitals: Male: smooth glans, penis meatus centered. Female: swollen genitals.
• Extremities: Symmetrical, free movement.
• Back: Observe spinal symmetry. Check the anus for patency, and meconium presence.

Conditions of Newborn Head

• Caput succedaneum: Scalp edema resulting from birth labor pressure.
• Cephalhematoma: Hemorrhage under the periosteum of the cranial bones, from birth trauma.
• Differences between caput succedaneum and cephalhematoma:
  • Appearance: Caput succedaneum appears at birth, with no increase in size. Cephalhematoma appears hours after birth, with size increase for 2-3 cm.
  • Disappearance: Caput succedaneum disappears in several days after birth. Cephalhematoma disappears 6 weeks after birth.
  • Borders: Caput succedaneum has a vague, poorly defined border, while cephalhematoma has a marked, well-defined border.
  • Cause: Caput succedaneum due to edema. Cephalhematoma due to subperiosteal hemorrhage.
  • Complications: Caput succedaneum rarely causes complications. Cephalhematoma may cause complications such as Jaundice, intracranial hemorrhage, or shock.

Neurological Assessment

• Reflexes: Include rooting, sucking, grasp (hand and feet), Moro reflex, startle, and stepping reflexes.

Immediate and Postnatal Care

• ABCW principle: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, and Warmth are prioritized during delivery to ensure adequate infant resuscitation.
• Airway: Holding the infant upside down temporarily to clear the airway, followed by gentle suction for breathing establishment and improved skin color.
• ABGAR score: Evaluate the infant's vital signs and response after birth, at 1 and 5 minutes to assess for normal response, mild asphyxia, or severe asphyxia.
• Warmth: Maintaining infant warmth is essential immediately after birth because rapid heat loss occurs through evaporation; dry the baby with a warm towel and keep the room warm.
• Umbilical Cord: Double ligation at 5cm from the umbilicus and 2 cm further to prevent strangulation. 3-5cm umbilical clamp placement. Removal of excess umbilical cord.
• Weight and Measurements: Weigh, measure length, and circumference (head and chest) of the newborn.
• Identification: Identifying the infant by sex and mother's name, using band/bracelet around wrist/ankle or foot print for identification.

Additional Newborn Information:

• Breastfeeding initiation

Test your knowledge on the key characteristics of newborns in their first four weeks of life. This quiz covers essential aspects of newborn care, respiratory and heart rates, temperature regulation, and gastrointestinal features. Perfect for students studying pediatrics or healthcare professionals.