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.

Ductus Venosus

Fetal blood vessel that connects the umbilical vein to the inferior vena cava, allowing oxygenated blood to bypass the liver.

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.

Direct Coombs test and TCB ,may require phototherapy

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

hypoglycemia, hypoxia, acidosis interfere with this ability

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

Cephalohematoma

bleeding in the skull due to pressure from birth

between the skull and the periosteum, typically resulting in a raised area on the head.

Caput Succedaneum

swelling of soft tissues on the baby's head due to pressure during delivery, generally resolving on its own.

Clavicle injury

a common birth injury resulting from shoulder dystocia or excessive pulling during delivery, often resulting in a fracture or weakness in the clavicle

usually seen in larger babies

Babinski Reflex

stroking the sole of a foot , toes should fan out and the big toe should extend upward

Moro Reflex

let infants head fall back and the arms should flail outwards then back in

Rooting Refelx

when touching the side of mouth the baby should turn their head to the side that was touched

Gallant Reflex

infant is prone and they are stroked along the spine , the infant should curve toward the side that was stroked.

Respiratory Distress syndrome

a condition seen in premature infants due to insufficient surfactant in the lungs, leading to breathing difficulties.

treatment : surfactant is instilled into the newborns trachea

Intraventricular hemorrhage

a type of brain bleed that occurs in premature infants due to fragile blood vessels in the brain.

S/S: poor muscle tone, acidosis , seizures, decreased respiratory status

Diagnosis may include ultrasound examination of the brain.

Necrotizing enterocolitis

primarily affects premature infants, characterized by inflammation and infection of the intestines

S/S: abdominal distension, feeding intolerance, and bloody stools.

Post Maturity Syndrome

a condition affecting infants who are born after 42 weeks of gestation

and may lead to complications such as meconium aspiration, low blood sugar, and difficulty regulating body temperature.

bronchopulmonary dysplasia

a chronic lung disease commonly seen in premature infants, characterized by inflammation and scarring in the lungs

Hemorrhage scale

signs can range from lethargy, bradycardia, seizures, separated fontanels

SGA

below the 10% percentile

more likely to have complications such as growth issues, hypoglycemia, and developmental delays.

Newborn Heart rate

is typically 120-160 beats per minute, varying with activity and state of arousal.

newborn respirations

are generally 30-60 breaths per minute and may be irregular due to periodic breathing.

Ballard Maturity Rating Scale

a tool used to assess the gestational age of newborns based on physical and neuromuscular criteria. Physical and neuromuscular assesments , normal is 35-40 ( 38-40 weeks)

Erythromycin

is an antibiotic ointment used to prevent bacterial infections in newborns, particularly ophthalmia neonatorum

24 hour testing of a newborn

CCHD

Metabolic screening

TCB

Hearing tests

Newborn Glucose levels

are critical to assess for in infants, typically measured within the first few hours after birth. Normal levels generally range from 40 to 150 mg/dL.

Newborn Hypoglycemia

Jitteriness, poor suck, Grunting, Tachypnea

bronchopulmonary dysplasi

a chronic lung disease commonly seen in premature infants, characterized by the need for oxygen and respiratory support due to lung injury from mechanical ventilation and oxygen therapy.

Retinopathy of newborn

a condition involving abnormal blood vessel growth in the retinas of premature infants, which can lead to vision impairment or blindness.

Transient Tachypnea of Newborn

a temporary respiratory condition characterized by rapid breathing in newborns, often resolving within a few days after birth.

• Quick Labor or maternal diabetes

• Treat with gavage feeding

Meconium aspiration syndrome

a condition that occurs when a newborn inhales a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid into the lungs, potentially leading to breathing difficulties and respiratory distress.

S/s include tachypnea, grunting, retractions, and cyanosis.

Sepsis neotaorum

a serious bacterial infection in newborns that can lead to sepsis, common is GBS.

• risks are prematurity, low birth weight , mother’s with longer ruptures after 18 hours

• s/s are full fontanel, tachycardia, tachypnea, jitteriness

Prenatal Drug exposure

s/s begin after 24 hours with irritability, high pitched cry , tremors and feeding difficulties in newborns.

• Finnegan scale assess the severity of withdrawal( done at 2 hours)

Tracheosphageal Fistula

a congenital defect where an abnormal connection exists between the trachea and esophagus

• ecsessive drooling which can cause aspiration

• Can be npo if they are aspirating wiht frequent suctioning ( 5 sec)

Cleft lip

a congenital condition where the upper lip does not fully close.

• can still breastfed

• Cleft palate is a similar congenital condition where there is an opening in the roof of the mouth,( have to feel) usuing a longer larger nipple and compressable bottle

Signs of Newborn Cardiac Deffects

may include cyanosis, rapid breathing, and a heart murmur. These signs can indicate structural abnormalities in the heart that may require further evaluation.

Spina Bifida occulta

spinal dimple is there but the spinal cord is not exposed, usually presenting no symptoms.

failure of arch to close

meningocele

a type of spina bifida where the protective membranes around the spinal cord protrude through the spine, resulting in a sac-like structure.

Myelomeningcele

a type of spina bifida where both the protective membranes and spinal cord protrude through the spine

• test at 15-20 weeks of gestation

• Can leas to paralysis, and wont be continent

Congenital Hydrocephalus

a condition characterized by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles of the brain, leading to increased intracranial pressure and potential brain damage.

s/s : tachypnea, poor feeding, and irritability.

CCHD

Critical Care Heart Disease

right arm and any leg for sp02

Coddle Regression Syndrome

a rare congenital disorder affecting the development of the sacrum and possibly other spinal structures

• regarding type 1 diabeties

Omphaseal

a congenital defect where the intestines protrude through the abdominal wall near the belly button

Gastrochsis

a congenital defect where the intestines extend outside the body through a hole in the abdominal wall