Newborn Assessment and Physiologic Adaptations (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to newborn physiologic adaptation, assessment, care, and common procedures.

Respiratory adaptation

Process by which the newborn initiates breathing at birth, including intrathoracic pressure changes, air entry into the lungs after delivery, and medullary stimulation when the cord is clamped; may require Ambu-bag ventilation.

Ambu-bag ventilation

A manual resuscitation device used to provide breaths to a newborn when spontaneous respiration is weak or absent.

Brown fat

Brown adipose tissue in newborns that helps generate heat to maintain body temperature; it is burned if metabolism does not raise temperature.

Cold stress

Excessive heat loss in a newborn leading to increased metabolic rate and oxygen demand, potentially causing hypoxia.

Thermoregulation

Process by which a newborn maintains a stable body temperature.

Heat loss methods

Conduction, convection, evaporation, and radiation are the four mechanisms by which heat is lost in the newborn.

APGAR scoring

A 0–10 assessment of five areas at birth (appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, respiration) to determine need for intervention.

AGA (Appropriate for Gestational Age)

Birth weight between the 10th and 90th percentile for gestational age.

SGA (Small for Gestational Age)

Birth weight below the 10th percentile for gestational age.

LGA (Large for Gestational Age)

Birth weight above the 90th percentile for gestational age.

Ballard score

A tool used within the first 4 hours after birth to estimate gestational age based on physical and neuromuscular maturity.

Preterm

Gestational age 20–37 weeks; lungs immature with increased risk of respiratory distress due to insufficient surfactant and lack of fat; neurologic immaturity.

Surfactant

Lipid-protein substance produced by fetal lungs that reduces surface tension and helps keep alveoli open.

Term (gestational age)

Gestational age 38–41 weeks.

Postterm

Gestational age 42 weeks or more.

Desquamation

Peeling of the newborn skin, commonly seen in post-term infants.

Caput succedaneum

Diffuse scalp swelling caused by pressure during vaginal delivery; crosses suture lines.

Cephalhematoma

Subperiosteal bleed on the newborn’s skull that does not cross suture lines and may increase jaundice risk.

Molding

Shaping of the infant’s head during delivery due to molding of cranial bones.

Fontanels

Soft spots on the infant’s skull; anterior fontanel should be palpable and firm; may be flat when healthy.

Top of ears alignment

The tops of the ears should align with the outer canthus of the eyes; low-set ears may indicate chromosomal disorders.

Strabismus

Crossed or misaligned eyes due to immature visual and neuromuscular control.

Nystagmus

Involuntary eye movement often seen in newborns because of immature nervous system.

Newborn vision (nearsightedness)

Newborns are nearsighted and see best at about 8–10 inches; prefer high-contrast patterns and faces.

Eye prophylaxis (gonorrhea/chlamydia prevention)

Administration of ophthalmic antibiotic ointment at birth to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum.

Vitamin K (Aquamephyton)

Intramuscular injection given within the first hour of birth to prevent hemorrhagic disorders; newborn intestine is sterile at birth.

Umbilical cord care

Cord with two arteries and one vein; kept clean and dry; clamp remains until cord dries; cord falls off in 7–14 days; do not submerge in water until it falls off.

Desiccation (cord drying process)

The drying process of the umbilical cord leading to a dry, hard mass that will fall off spontaneously.

Meconium

First stool; greenish-black, tarry, and sticky.

Transitional stool

Stool passed after several feedings; yellowish or greenish-brown, thin, and less sticky.

Stool characteristics by feeding

Breastfed stools are typically yellow, seedy, and soft; formula-fed stools are pale yellow to brown and more formed.

Pseudomenstruation

Mucus or slightly bloody vaginal discharge in a newborn due to maternal hormones; resolves in a few days.

Smegma

Secretions of epithelial cells around the external genitalia (labial folds) that may be present and should not be forcibly removed.

Urinary meatus location

In males, the urinary meatus should be at the tip of the penis.

Testes palpation

Both testicles should be palpable in the scrotum.

Anus patency

The anus should be patent with normal passage of stool.

Syndactyly & Polydactyly

Syndactyly: webbed digits; Polydactyly: extra digits.

Ortolani maneuver

A hip assessment maneuver used to detect hip dislocation by abducting the hips and feeling for a click.

Hip displacement assessment

Assessment for hip dislocation using Ortolani/Barlow methods; asymmetrical skin folds may indicate issues.

Neonatal screening tests

Routine tests including glucose (hypoglycemia risk), PKU, hearing screen, and others performed after birth.

Hypoglycemia in the newborn

Low blood glucose (often in SGA or LGA); symptoms include apnea, jitteriness, temperature instability, tachycardia; screening via heel-stick; normal >40–50 mg/dL.

PKU (Phenylketonuria)

Autosomal recessive metabolic disorder; requires a strict diet; screening within 72 hours with a heel-stick; false positives possible.

Bilirubin (jaundice)

Elevated bilirubin in blood causing jaundice; levels are more dangerous when elevated in the first days of life.

Hearing screen

Newborn hearing screening performed routinely before discharge.

Immunizations at birth

Hepatitis B vaccine is usually given in the hospital; parental consent required; follow-up with pediatrician.

Circumcision (Gomco/Plastibell)

Surgical removal of the foreskin; performed with local anesthesia; Gomco clamp or Plastibell device; post-procedure care includes petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment; monitor for bleeding.

Gomco clamp

A circumcision tool left in place briefly (about 5 minutes) to control bleeding; later removed.

Plastibell

A circumcision device that stays in place until the foreskin falls off (about 5–8 days).

Circumcision aftercare & precautions

Keep the area clean; apply petroleum jelly when using Gomco or ointment when using Plastibell; monitor glans and bleeding; avoid rubbing; monitor for infection.

Immunization timing

Hepatitis B or other vaccines may be given in the hospital; parental consent required; ensure follow-up for immunization schedule.

Car seat safety

Rear-facing car seat installation; face away from airbags; keep child rear-facing until age 2 or as recommended; seek professional installation assistance.