Newborn Health Problems

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Questions and Answers

What is the typical outcome for traumatic lesions without treatment?

They heal permanently without scarring.

They develop into chronic conditions.

They generally fade spontaneously within a few days. (correct)

They require medical intervention to heal.

Which statement best describes the nature of traumatic lesions?

They are mainly caused by infections.

They always leave significant scarring.

They require extensive surgical procedures.

They typically resolve without treatment. (correct)

How long do traumatic lesions usually take to fade without intervention?

They fade within a matter of weeks.

They fade spontaneously within a few days. (correct)

They take several months to heal.

They remain indefinitely without treatment.

What is an important characteristic of traumatic lesions in terms of treatment?

They can spontaneously fade without treatment. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about treatment for traumatic lesions based on their typical resolution process?

Spontaneous fading reduces the need for intervention. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are the main categories of factors that can predispose individuals to birth injuries?

Maternal factors and Fetal factors (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical category of factors contributing to birth injuries?

Psychological factors (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which maternal factor might affect the likelihood of a birth injury?

Age of the mother (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Fetal factors' refer to in the context of birth injuries?

Conditions related to the fetus itself (A) Signup and view all the answers

In analyzing risk factors for birth injuries, which is a broader category that encompasses both maternal and fetal factors?

Biological factors (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is one method to support an infant during feeding?

Aiding the infant in suckling (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does partial gavage feeding aim to achieve for the infant?

To supplement oral feeding and prevent aspiration (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is important to include when providing supplemental feeding to an infant?

Minimum expressed breast milk (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following feeding techniques might help a mother with her infant?

Using feeding techniques that promote sucking (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a risk associated with incorrect feeding practices for infants?

Aspiration during feeding (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Newborn Health Problems

Birth Injuries: Several types, including soft tissue injuries, head injuries, and nerve injuries. Other types also exist.
Predisposing Factors: Maternal factors, fetal factors, and iatrogenic factors (unintentional medical errors). Some injuries are minor and self-limiting, others are life-threatening.

Soft Tissue Injury

Cause: Disproportion between the presenting part of the baby and the mother's pelvis (cephalopelvic disproportion). Difficult deliveries (e.g., forceps, breech, brow deliveries) can cause discoloration or abrasions.
Manifestations: Discoloration/abrasions on the face, matching the forceps shape
Petechiae/ecchymoses (bruising) on presenting part, after difficult or rapid deliveries, this can also be generalized on the face and head.
Petechiae/ecchymoses can also appear on infants with nuchal cords, which could lead to a cyanotic face appearance.
A vacuum suction cup can cause petechiae/ecchymoses in the occipital region of the infant's head.
Lacerations can occasionally occur during cesarean section.
Treatment: Healing usually occurs spontaneously in a few days.

Head Injury

Cephalhematoma: Collection of blood between the bone and its periosteum. Usually distinguishable, limited to the boundary of the bone, it is common in first-time mothers. This often appears between the first and second day.
Caput Succedaneum: Swelling of the scalp associated with edema. Often larger than the bone’s boundaries and typically present at or shortly after birth. It normally resolves within a few days or 12 hours.
Cause: Cephalhematoma is more commonly seen in first-time mothers and is linked to forceps deliveries and vacuum extraction.

Nerve Injuries

Facial Paralysis: Pressure on the facial nerve (7th cranial nerve) during delivery can cause injury.
Manifestations: Affected side movement loss (e.g., inability to close the eye, drooping mouth, flat forehead, nasolabial fold). More noticeable during crying. The eye on the affected side stays open.
Treatment: Typically resolves spontaneously within a few days, possibly several months.
Brachial Palsy: Injury to the brachial plexus, an intricate network of nerves in the shoulder.
Causes: Can result from stretching or pulling away during a difficult delivery (e.g., shoulder dystocia). Risk factors include: larger babies, prior shoulder dystocia, specific deliveries (e.g., forceps, midpelvic).
Types include Erb palsy, lower plexus palsy (Klumpke palsy) and total plexus injury.

Nursing Care Management

General Care: Assessment, observation, and accurate documentation of injuries.
Complications: Vigilance for potential complications like infection. Reassurance to parents, as most conditions resolve on their own.
Specific Cases: Aiding feeding, correct positioning, passive range-of-motion exercises, Splinting to prevention of contractures, dressing/undressing protocols and positioning.

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Description

Explore the various health issues newborns may face, including birth injuries and soft tissue injuries. Understand the causes, manifestations, and risk factors associated with these conditions. This quiz will help deepen your knowledge of newborn care and management.