Comprehensive Guide on Newborn Care: Assessment, Characteristics, and Daily Care
E N D
Presentation Transcript
OB Unit 4 Care of the Newborn Rev. 2015
Neonate • Term used for a child in the first 4 weeks of life
Initial Care & Assessment of the Newborn Immediately After Birth
Assess: Respirations Heart Rate Temp APGAR Warmth
Identification • Done in delivery room • 2 ID bands (ankle & wrist) on newborn • 1 ID band on mother • Footprinting & fingerprinting
Protection of Disease • Eye prophylaxis w/ Erythromycin • Vitamin K injection
Spine & Extremities • Straight without curves • Dimples, tufts of hair and masses • Syndactyly/Polydactyly • Single crease • Equal leg length
Bonding • Promotion of attachment between neonate & family • Should begin immediately
A. Weight & Length • Weight ranges from 5.5-10 lbs. • Loses 5-10% during the 1st few days after birth • Length ranges from 18-22 inches
B. Head & Body • Lg. Head (13-14”) • Short neck • Chest smaller than head (12-13”) • Large protruding abdomen
Head irregularly shaped “molded” • Caput succedaneum • Cephalhematoma • Both resolve on their own • Reassure parents
C. Fontanels • Soft spots • Anteriorabove forehead, diamond shaped,closes bet. 18 mos. • Posterior@ crown of head, Triangular, closes at 2nd mo.
D. Eyes • Blue or gray @ birth • Appear cross-eyed, unable to focus • Eyelids red/edematous • No tears
E. Ears • Positioned with outer canthus of the eye • High pitched sounds • Mothers voice
F. Skin • Rashes are common • By 3rd day, more natural tone • Acrocyanosis • Harlequin sign
G. Jaundice • Pathological occurs w/i 24 hrs Abnormal • Physiologic May occur in 2-3 days Normal • Immature liver • Elevated bilirubin
Treatment • Freq. Feeding q 2-3 hrs • Sunlight • Phototherapy • Monitor temp • Allow for bonding
Influences of Maternal Hormones on Neonate • gynecomastia • Edematous labia in females • Pseudomenstruation • Large scrotum
Common Skin Observations IN THE NEWBORN…..
Milia • Erythema toxicum • Stork bites • Mongolian spots • Port wine stain
Epsteins pearls • Various birthmarks • Petechiae • Lanugo • Vernix caseosa
Normal Activities and Reflexes Of the Neonate….
Rest & Sleep • Sleeps ~ 17 hrs/day • Awakens easily • Cries when hungry or uncomfortable • Arms & legs move freely & symmetrically
Reflexes • Rooting Reflex • Sucking Reflex • Dance or Step • Grasp • Moro or Startle
Tonic neck reflex • Babinski reflex • Newborn movements are jerky due to immature nervous system
Senses • Sight • Hearing • Touch • Smell & Taste
Preventing Infant Abduction • Essential role of nurse • Proper ID w/ badge • Visitors required to check in • Sensors, alarms, exits lock automatically
Daily Newborn Care Nursing Assessment
Every day, assess : Vital Signs Weight Eyes, Nose & Ears Elimination (Urine & Stools) Umbilical Cord
Urination • Usually 4-8 hrs fol. delivery • Be sure baby voids & document • Should have 6-8 wet diapers/day
STOOLS Meconium1st stool Transitional stool Milk stool
Hypothermia • Caps • Clothing • Blankets • Warmer/isolette • Incubator
Cleansing the Newborn • 1st bath after Temp = 98.6 • Assess skin color; assess for blemishes, rash,abnormal jerking, twitching, bleeding, or congenital abnormalities during bathing
Use mild soap sparingly • Special attention to skin folds • Observe for bleeding at circumcision site first 12 hrs.
Circumcision • Part or all of foreskin is removed • Ritual for all Jewish babies • Must be kept clean • Assess for bleeding, swelling, & voiding