Risks in Newborns

TRUE or FALSE: babies initially depend on immunoglobulins from mom.

true

How do babies initially get IgG?

by crossing the placenta

How do babies initially get IgA?

breastmilk

How do babies initially get IgM?

from blood/lymph

TRUE or FALSE: IgG is typically low at birth but is the first immunoglobulin to respond to infection.

false; IgM is the first

How should you educate parents to prevent infection?

handwashing + staying away from sick people

What are signs of infection in a newborn?

• lethargy

• poor feeding

• temp. instability

• jitteriness

• resp. distress

• color changes

What qualifies as temperature instability?

two separate temperature drops

Which antibiotics are typically used to treat newborn infections before getting blood cultures?

ampicillin + gentamycin

What are risk factors for infection?

prolonged ROM, maternal chorioamnionitis or GBS, + preterm birth

What counts as small for gestational age?

below the 10th percentile

What counts as large for gestational age?

above the 90th percentile

What are signs of hypoglycemia in newborns?

• irritability

• tremors

• pallor

• tachypnea

• low temperature

What are symptoms of untreated hypoglycemia?

• hypotonia

• weak + high-pitched cry

• seizures

• unconsiousness

What is the normal glucose range during the first four hours of life?

45-120

What is the normal glucose range during 5+ hours of life?

50-120

What is the initial treatment for hypoglycemia?

feedings

How is hypoglycemia treated if feeding doesn’t work?

oral or IV (NICU only) glucose

When are at-risk babies screened for hypoglycemia?

post-feed after the first feeding, then pre-feeds