Lecture Notes: Newborn Care and Health Management

Brown Adipose Tissue

• Function: Generates heat for body temperature regulation.

Infant Stool (Meconium)

• Timing: Should occur within 24 hours after birth.
• Appearance: Mustard, green, yellowish, black, tarry, sticky.

Respiratory Problems in Newborns

• Key Deficiency: Lack of surfactant.
• Treatment: Dexamethasone.

Vitamin K Injection

• Purpose: For blood clotting.
• Injection Site: Vastus lateralis in the leg.

Temperature and Airway Management

• Rectal Temperature: Not recommended due to risk of perforation.
• Immediate Newborn Care: Check for cord around neck and ensure patent airway.
• Suction Order: Mouth before nose.

Heat Loss in Newborns

• By Convection: Air from vents.
• By Conduction: Contact with cold surfaces.

Jaundice and Breastfeeding

• Disappearance: After the fifth day.

APGAR Scores

• Timing: 1, 5, and 10 minutes post-birth.
• Normal Score: 8 to 10, indicating adequate transition.

Signs of Respiratory Distress

• Symptoms: Flaring nostrils, substernal retractions, grunting.

Post-Feeding Positioning

• Recommended Position: Lay flat and on the back.

Initiation of Respiration

• Factors: Chemical, thermal, and mechanical.

Bilirubin and Jaundice

• Process: Conjugation of bilirubin.
• Pathological Jaundice: Occurs right after birth, might indicate liver issues.

Anterior Fontanel Closure

• Timeline: Closes between 18 to 24 months.

Eye Treatment at Birth

• For STIs: Erythromycin.

Vernix Caseosa

• Description: Cheesy white covering on newborns.

Ortolani Test

• Purpose: Detects hip dislocation.
• Indicators: Popping or clicking sound, extra creases.

Prevention of Preterm Birth

• Key Measure: Adequate and early prenatal care.

Maturity Indicators

• Signs on Feet: Creases indicate maturity.

Benign Conditions

• Erythema Toxicum Neonatorum: Benign.

Discharge Planning

• Timing: Begins at admission.

Apneic Episode Response

• Action: Flick the baby's foot to stimulate response.

Meconium Aspiration

• Indicators: Stained fingers, wet lungs.

Newborn Weight Changes

• Normal Weight Loss: In first three days due to fluid loss.
• Expect Weight Gain: After three days.

Phototherapy for Jaundice

• Key Precaution: Baby must be naked and eyes covered.

Iron Stores from Mother

• Duration: Lasts for the first 6 months.

Large and Small for Gestational Age (LGA & SGA)

• Importance: Know weight charts and corresponding conditions.