Comprehensive Newborn and Postpartum Nursing Care: Key Concepts and Interventions

What should you do if a newborn has sleep apnea/apneic episodes?

Flick the sole of the foot to stimulate breathing.

What is the best way to regulate a newborn's temperature?

Skin-to-skin contact and axillary temperature checks; baby should be in a diaper only.

A positive Babinski reflex in a newborn is considered what?

An expected finding.

Which newborn medication requires parental consent before administration?

Hepatitis B vaccine.

What nursing intervention helps prevent/treat jaundice in newborns?

Encourage frequent breastfeeding.

What is the first-line intervention for uterine atony?

Administer a uterotonic medication.

How can a new mom maintain milk supply when returning to work?

Pump breast milk as often as the baby feeds.

What can relieve breast engorgement before breastfeeding?

Warm shower or warm compresses before feeding.

How to prevent postpartum thrombosis?

Early ambulation.

What is the normal lochia progression?

Rubra.

If a postpartum patient saturates 2 perineal pads within 24 hrs, what should be done?

Perform a fundal massage.

Painful, purple perineum postpartum may indicate what?

Hematoma → notify provider; apply ice for comfort.

What are the signs of mastitis?

Red, painful, warm-to-touch breast; fever; usually one breast affected.

What medication can be used for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) if oxytocin is not enough?

Carboprost.

What are key findings in postpartum hemorrhage (PPH)?

Large clots, heavy bleeding, hypotension, tachycardia, bladder distention.

What are the C-section priorities post-op?

Pain management, sequential compression device, incentive spirometer, respiratory assessment.

What is the normal newborn respiratory rate?

30-60 breaths per minute.

What is the priority intervention for postpartum hemorrhage?

Fundal massage.

When is a baby considered preterm?

Birth before 38 weeks gestation.

What is a developmental milestone at 4 months?

Put the baby on back.

What is an expected finding at 6 months?

Sits with support.

What are teething signs?

Tender gumline.

How do you measure a newborn's head circumference?

Above the eyebrows.

What is normal toddler behavior?

Parallel play.

What is safe sleep teaching for infants?

Place baby on the back to sleep.

What is expected developmental play in toddlers?

Parallel play (not cooperative play).

What is key teaching for school-aged child development?

Respect religious/cultural background.

What are ways to prevent infections in children?

Keep environment clean, teach handwashing.

What is a common adolescent psychosocial issue?

Low self-esteem.

What is normal language development at 2 years?

Uses simple phrases.

What are normal body changes in adolescence?

Development of secondary sexual characteristics.

If a mother has postpartum depression, who should she be referred to?

Psychiatry/mental health professional.

How many vessels does the umbilical cord normally contain?

3 (2 arteries, 1 vein).

What is the appearance of meconium?

Thick, greenish-black stool.

What foods should NOT be given to a 6-month-old?

Hot dogs, cow's milk, nuts (choking hazards).

What condition might a 5-year-old be screened for if showing social/communication delays?

Autism.

What is supportive care after miscarriage at full term?

Allow parents to hold the baby.

What health teaching is important for a tired teenager?

Teach sleep hygiene, proper sleep schedule, and benefits of adequate rest.

What is preparation for newborn phototherapy?

Baby in diaper only, eyes covered.

What are signs and symptoms of neonatal hypoglycemia?

Jitteriness, lethargy, poor feeding.

What should be done to keep newborn immunizations?

Keep immunizations up to date.

What is a normal maternal change after delivery (first 24 hrs)?

Diaphoresis and fatigue.

What is important about newborn immunizations?

Keep immunizations up to date.

What does frequent feeding help prevent in newborns?

Hyperbilirubinemia.

What type of mothers are macrosomic (large) infants usually born to?

Mothers with gestational diabetes.

What increases the risk of jaundice in a newborn?

Bruising at birth or cephalohematoma.

What is a common reason for C-section delivery?

Large baby/macrosomia.