Math
A newborn weighed 3500 g at birth and now weighs 3325 g. What is the percentage of weight loss?
5% weight loss. (3500–3325=175 → 175/3500=0.05 → 0.05×100=5%)
*1 g = 1 mL*
What is the site of gas exchange in a fetus?
The placenta.
What APGAR score range indicates a healthy newborn?
7-10
Which reflex causes the newborn’s arms to extend and flex after a sudden noise or movement?
Moro (startle) reflex.
What is a common intervention to prevent newborn hypothermia immediately after birth?
Warm, dry, and stimulate the newborn; skin-to-skin contact.
What does a newborn weight loss greater than 10% indicate?
Possible dehydration or feeding issues—requires assessment and intervention.
What triggers closure of the foramen ovale after birth?
The first breath increases left atrial pressure, closing the flap.
*Must close within the first few hours of birth*
What are normal newborn vital signs for HR, RR, and temperature?
HR: 110–160 bpm, RR: 30–60/min, Temp: 97.7–99.5°F (36.5–37.5°C)
How should you suction a newborn using a bulb syringe?
Suction the mouth before the nose, compress bulb before inserting, and aim to the side of the mouth.
Why are preterm infants at higher risk for hypothermia?
They have less subcutaneous fat and an underdeveloped thermoregulation system.
A postpartum patient’s quantitative blood loss is 1,200 mL. What condition might this indicate?
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).
What causes the ductus arteriosus to close?
An increase in oxygen with baby's first breath, decrease in prostaglandins
*closes in 2-3 days*
What are the characteristics of a preterm baby?
Transparent skin, extended/flaccid posture, soft cartilage & slow recoil, more lanugo, more vernix, matted/bunched hair, fingernail does not pass fingertips, more flexible joints, and smooth soles.
What are the four causes of newborn jaundice?
Dehydration, prematurity, delayed stool passage, inadequate feeding.
What are two signs of newborn cold stress?
Lethargy, pallor, cool skin, or hypoglycemia.
List two nursing interventions for a patient experiencing postpartum hemorrhage.
Firmly massage the fundus and administer oxytocin (or methergine, carboprost, misoprostol).
What occurs when the umbilical cord is clamped?
Placental circulation ends, causing a rise in systemic vascular resistance.
What classification is given to a newborn weighing above the 90th percentile for gestational age?
Large for Gestational Age (LGA).
Name two nursing interventions during phototherapy.
Cover eyes and genitals; avoid lotions; monitor hydration and temperature.
List three safe sleep recommendations to prevent SIDS.
Place baby on back, firm mattress, no loose blankets or toys.
A peripad weighs 476 g and its dry weight is 89 g. How much blood loss does this represent?
387 mL of blood loss (476–89=387 mL).
Explain what causes the ductus venosus to close?
When the umbilical cord is clamped, which stops blood flow from the umbilical cord to the inferior vena cava
Why are preterm and postterm infants at higher risk for morbidity and mortality?
Due to immature or compromised body systems.
Explain the purposes of the following medications:
1. Vitamin K
2. Erythromycin ointment
3. Hepatitis B vaccine
4. Hepatitis B immunoglobulin
1. Prevents bleeding/clotting deficiency
*given within 1 hour of birth*
2. Prevents bacterial infection/eye protection
*given within 1 hour of birth*
3. Active immunization
*given within 24 hours unless mom HB+*
4. Passive immunity for infants of Hep B positive mothers
*given within 12 hours of birth along with HB vax for HB+ mom*
Identify three risk factors for SIDS/SUID.
Prone sleeping, maternal smoking, and co-sleeping.