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%)
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.
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).
Name the three fetal shunts.
Ductus venosus, foramen ovale, ductus arteriosus.
A preterm infant’s skin appears translucent with minimal flexion. What Ballard score findings support this?
Transparent skin, extended posture, soft cartilage, 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 arteriosus to close.
Increased oxygen levels from breathing cause the vessel to constrict and close.
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
2. Prevents bacterial infection/eye protection
3. Active immunization
4. Passive immunity for infants of Hep B positive mothers
Identify three risk factors for SIDS/SUID.
Prone sleeping, maternal smoking, and co-sleeping.