Normal and Abnormal Newborn Assessment Signs

Caput Succedameum

characterized by soft tissue swelling and fluid that causes overlapping sutures and crosses suture lines

cephalohematoma

collection of blood between baby’s skull bone and its covering, appearing as a soft, often harmless bump on the head after delivery

32-36 cm

normal term newborn head circumference

30.5-33 cm

normal newborn chest circumference

46-52 cm

expected newborn length findings, molding may interfere with accurate measurement

2,500-4,100 g (5.5-9 lb), weightloss of 5%-10% from birthweight during the 1st week is normal

expected weight of a newborn

97.7F - 99F

expected newborn temperature, usually taken via axillary

30-60 bpm

expected respiration rate of a newborn

110-160 bpm

expected newborn pulse rate, may increase with crying and decrease with sleeping

Cafe-au-lait spots

harmless newborn finding with permanent, light brown areas that may occur anywhere on the body

slate gray patch

previously known as Mongolian spots, harmless, flat, blue gray birthmarks commonly found on African, Hispanic, Asian, or Native American babies, usually found on the buttocks or back. Fade as you age.

Erythema toxicum

harmless newborn rash

strawberry hemangioma

raised red lesions that are harmless

milia

small, harmless white-yellowish, acne-like cysts that form when kerain becomes trapped under the skin

central; circumoral

signs of fetal hypoxia:
_____ cyanosis first 10 mins of life, or _______ cyanosis

diamond; 2.5-4; 18

expected anterior fontanel findings: _______ shaped, approxiamtely ____ cm (closes by __ months of age)

depressed fontanels

possible indications of dehydration

increased intracranial pressure

fontanels that are firm and bulging and not related to crying may indicate

subconjunctival hemorrhage

bruise on the eye may be present due to pressure during labor and birth and is harmless

12

neonate is able to follow objets within __ inches of the visual field

golden yellow and seedy

expected stool findings of breastmilk fed newborn

24; 48

newborn should have passed meconium stool within ___ to ___ hours

psuedomenstruation

normal blood-tinged vaginal discharge found in female babies caused by withdrawal of maternal hormones after birth

cryptorchidism

unusual newborn sign found when male baby’s testes are not palpated in the scrotum

simian crease

short fingers, wide space netween big toe and second toe are common with Down Syndrome

Moro Reflex

symmetrical abduction and extension of arms and legs, and then legs flex against the trunk; neonate makes a “C” shape with thumb and index finger; disappears by 6 months

Tonic Neck (fencing reflex)

neonate assumes a “fencing” position with arms and legs extended in direction in which the head was turned; disappears by 4-6 months

Rooting Reflex

turns head toward the direction of the stimulus and opens mouth; disappears between 3-6 months

sucking reflex

stick ur finger in their mouth and they suck; may not respond if recently fed, or may be weak or absent due to prematurity/ neurological defects; disappears at 3-4 months

palmar grasp refelx

placing object in baby’s palms causes them to grip; weak or abesnt may indicate possible spinal cord injury; disappears at 3-4 months

babinski reflex

stroke the lateral surface of the sole in an upward motion, hyperextension and fanning of the toes occurs; disappears at 1 year

Stepping reflex

hold neonate upright with feet touching a flat surface, neonate steps up and down in place; disappears at 3-4 weeks