Describe care of the newborn.

Description should include

  • characteristics of a normal newborn
  • procedures performed immediately after birth, including diagnostic lab tests
  • newborn safety
  • respiration, infection control, temperature regulation
  • normal reflexes
  • complications
  • care plan
  • nutrition
  • elimination
  • immunizations
  • prophylactic administration
  • client education.

Process/Skill Questions:

  • What are the characteristics of the normal newborn?
  • How is the newborn evaluated using the Apgar scoring system?
  • What is involved in the procedures that are performed immediately after birth, such as
    • airway clearing
    • cord clamping
    • assessment
    • identification
    • prevention of cold stress?
  • How would respirations be initiated chemically and mechanically?
  • What are two nursing interventions for preventing aspiration in the newborn?
  • What are the five areas of assessment of the newborn upon admission to the nursery?
  • What are the infection control and safety routines of the healthcare provider?
  • How would the temperature-regulating mechanism of the newborn be described?
  • What are the eight reflexes normally present in the newborn?
  • What criteria are involved in a gestational age assessment from birth to one month?
  • What role does the presence of excess red blood cells play in physiologic jaundice?
  • How would one develop a care plan for the normal newborn, including
    • weighing
    • measuring
    • cord care
    • positioning
    • bathing
    • hours of sleep
    • parent-infant interaction
    • care of circumcision
    • feeding
    • diapering
    • emotional support
    • signs and symptoms of illness?
  • How would aspects of nutrition, including stomach capacity, sucking, caloric needs, weight loss, and vomiting be described?
  • What are the characteristics of food substances that are easily digestible, such as breast milk and formula?
  • What is involved in normal elimination, including time frame and assessment?
  • What is the importance of vitamin K administration and eye prophylaxis for all newborns?