Newborn Sensory and Physiological Notes

This set covers newborn sensory development, sleep-wake cycles, pain response, and baseline physiological vital signs based on the lecture notes.

Tears

Newborns do not produce these until they are 3 months old.

Sensory overload

Occurs if there is too much detrimental stimulation; nurses should keep the environment calm, quiet, and without bright lighting or loud alarms.

Hearing

Well-developed sensory function present at birth; newborns respond by decreasing motor and sucking activity and turning their head toward sound.

Ear drainage and sneezing

Normal occurrences after birth intended to rid the ear canals of amniotic fluid.

Newborn Sleep Duration

Newborns typically sleep for $15-20$ hours per day.

First Reactive Phase

The first phase of the sleep-wake cycle, consisting of the first 30 minutes where the newborn is awake and alert.

Sleep Phase

The second phase of the sleep-wake cycle where the infant is sleepier and less responsive.

Second Reactive Phase

The third phase of the sleep-wake cycle occurring after deep sleep when the newborn becomes responsive again.

Stability Phase

The phase of the sleep-wake cycle that becomes more stable after 24 hours.

Pain Hormones

Pain produces Catecholamines and Cortisol, leading to increased respiratory rate, BP, and BS.

Long-term Memory Development

Pathways and structures required for this are well developed by $24$ weeks gestation.

Critical Period (Respiratory)

The first hour of life is the most critical period for the respiratory system.

Patent Airway Positioning

Newborns should be positioned on their back or side to maintain a patent airway.

Newborn Circulating Blood Volume

The approximate blood volume is $300 \text{ ml}$.

Cyanosis (Circulatory cause)

Occurs if ducts fail to close, preventing blood from bypassing the lungs to pick up $O_2$.

Normal Newborn Temperature

Measured rectally or at the axilla, the range is $97.1 - 99.8 \text{ }^{\circ}F$.

Normal Newborn Pulse

The normal range is $110 - 160 \text{ bpm}$.

Normal Newborn Respirations

The normal range is $30 - 60$ breaths per minute.