Newborn Assessment & Care Notes
3 stages of life of a newborn transitioning to extrauterine world 1st stage of reactivity, decrease
response stage, and 2nd stage of reactivity
1st stage of reactivity (FIRST 30 minutes after birth), HR increases 160-180 bpm and *returns* to
baseline; alert, ...
3 stages of life of a newborn transitioning to extrauterine world ✅1st stage of reactivity, decrease
response stage, and 2nd stage of reactivity
1st stage of reactivity ✅(FIRST 30 minutes after birth), HR increases 160-180 bpm and *returns* to
baseline; alert, startles, cries and moves head (APGAR score)
decreased response stage ✅(60-100 minutes after birth), RR ~60 and shallow, pink color and sleeps
2nd stage of reactivity ✅(2-8 hours after birth), tachycardia and tachypnea, improved muscle tone and
*passes meconium*
after baseline is established ✅thermoregulation is critical since babies have lower SQ fat and larger
body surface to body weight ratio
heat loss occurs: ✅convection - from body to room air
radiation - body to items in close proximity
evaporation - moisture loss from skin
conduction - body surfaces in direct contact
thermogenesis ✅metabolism of brown fat for heat production
cold stress ✅can lead to metabolic acidosis and hypoglycemia
hyperthermia ✅usually environmental; if septic then *hands/feet are cold EVEN WITH an elevated
temperature*
, newborn physical assessment ✅complete h-t assessment is done within 12 hours of birth, post-bonding
time; ideal time to educate parents
vital signs of newborn ✅apical HR (120-160 bpm)
RR ( 30-60 bpm) / abdominal breathers, nares open
temperature via axillary (97.7 - 99.5 degrees F)
*BP NOT DONE*
growth measurements (length, weight, head circumference) and foot printing is also completed
when do you wear gloves when caring for a newborn ✅every time up until their first bath
variations in physical assessment: HEAD ✅assess *fontanels (softspots)*
- posterior: fingertip sized, back of head
- anterior: varied size, top/front of head
assess for *molding or head bruising* or birth-related trauma
*cephalohematoma* ✅edema does *NOT* cross suture line, gets larger on day 2, resolves in several
weeks
*subgaleal hemorrhage* ✅risk with *vacuum extractors use*; boggy head, increasing head size, covers
large area
variations in physical assessment: circulatory system ✅*acrocyanosis* is normal for day 1&2 after birth
> assess capillary refill in fingers/toes
assess pulses: brachial, femoral, and posterior tibial/pedal
central blueness in baby? ✅not good; blue hands/feet are WNL for a short amount of time
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller CertifiedGrades. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $10.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
