Newborn Physiologic Adaptation (Video Notes)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the video notes on neonatal physiological, thermoregulatory, hepatic, renal, immune, GI, respiratory, cardiovascular, psychosocial adaptation, and high-risk conditions.

Fetal lung fluid

Fluid produced by alveoli in utero that expands the lungs for development.

Surfactant

Lipoprotein substance that lines alveoli to reduce surface tension and keep alveoli partially open.

atelacsis

Collapse of alveoli due to insufficient surfactant.

Chemical stimulation

Chemoreceptors detect decreased O2, pH, and increased CO2; medulla triggers breathing.

Mechanical stimulation

Chest compression during birth aids expelling fluid; recoil draws air into lungs.

Thermal stimulation

Sudden drop in temperature at birth stimulates skin sensors and medulla to trigger respirations.

Sensory stimulation

Light, sound, touch, and smell trigger medullary respiratory response.

Signs of respiratory distress

Nasal flaring, grunting, retractions, and cyanosis indicating distress.

Ductus venosus

Shunts oxygenated blood from the umbilical vein to the Inferior VenaCava, bypassing the liver.

Foramen ovale

Flap between right and left atria that bypasses fetal lungs.

Ductus arteriosus

Connects pulmonary artery to the aorta, bypassing fetal lungs.

Foramen ovale closure

Left atrial pressure exceeds right atrial pressure → foramen ovale closes.

Ductus arteriosus closure

Ductus arteriosus constricts due to increased O2; functional closure in minutes, permanent in 1–4 months.

Physiologic jaundice

Jaundice onset >24 hours due to normal bilirubin turnover and immature liver; usually resolves in 5–7 days.

Pathologic jaundice

Jaundice onset <24 hours due to hemolysis, liver dysfunction, or infection; may require treatment.

Phototherapy

Light treatment that helps convert bilirubin into water-soluble forms for excretion.

Breastfeeding jaundice

Early-onset jaundice due to insufficient intake and dehydration; improves with feeding; may need phototherapy if severe.

IgG function

Passive immunity to bacteria, toxins, and viruses from placenta.

IgM

Infant-produced antibody; protects against gram-negative bacteria.

IgA

Protects GI and respiratory tracts; enhanced by colostrum and breast milk.

Colostrum

First breast milk rich in IgA and immune factors that protect the newborn.

Convection

drafts from movements or windows

Conduction

contact with cold surfaces

Radiation

near cold surfaces such as a wall

Non Shivering Thermogenesis

the metabolism of brown fat( located in trunk area) for heat

Cold Stress

Increases metabolic rate, Decreased surfactant production , Hypoglycemia ( using glucose for energy) jaundice ,

Thermoneutral zone

32-33.5

88.6-92.3

Polycythemia

high count in red blood cells which can cause jaundice and brain damage

Meconium

the first stool passed within the first 24 hours which is usually green, tarlike having bile, hair, amniotic fluids.

Unconjugated

indirect billirubin

Conjugated

direct bilirubin that is excreted via bile

APGAR score

respiratory effort

muscle tone

reflex response

color of baby

heart rate