In: Nursing
A nurse is assessing a newborn upon admission to the nursery. Which of the following should the nurse expect?
Assessments for Newborn Babie
Newborn baby is carefully checked at birth for signs of problems or complications. The nurse will do a complete physical checkup that includes every body system.
The nurse checks these vital signs:
Temperature. This checks that the baby is able to have a stable body temperature in normal room.
Pulse. A newborn’s pulse is normally 120 to 160 beats per minute.
Breathing rate. A newborn’s breathing rate is normally 40 to 60 breaths per minute.
Physical checkup
A complete physical check up is an important part of newborn care. The healthcare provider carefully checks each body system for health and normal function. The provider also looks for any signs of illness or birth defects. Physical check up of a newborn often includes:
General appearance. This looks at physical activity, muscle tone, posture, and level of consciousness.
Skin. This looks at skin color, texture, nails, and any rashes.
Head and neck. This looks at the shape of head, the soft spots (fontanelles) on the baby’s skull, and the bones across the upper chest (clavicles).
Face. This looks at the eyes, ears, nose, and cheeks.
Mouth. This looks at the roof of the mouth (palate), tongue, and throat.
Lungs. This looks at the sounds the baby makes when he or she breathes. This also looks at the breathing pattern.
Heart sounds and pulses in the groin (femoral)
Abdomen. This looks for any masses or hernias.
Genitals and anus. This checks that the baby has open passages for urine and stool.
Arms and legs. This checks the baby’s movement and development.
The Apgar score is one of the first checks of your new baby's health. The Apgar score is assigned in the first few minutes after birth to help identify babies that have difficulty breathing or have a problem that needs further care. The baby is checked at one minute and five minutes after birth for heart and respiratory rates, muscle tone, reflexes, and color.
Each area can have a score of zero, one, or two, with 10 points as the maximum. A total score of 10 means a baby is in the best possible condition. Nearly all babies score between eight and 10, with one or two points taken off for blue hands and feet because of immature circulation. If a baby has a difficult time during delivery, this can lower the oxygen levels in the blood, which can lower the Apgar score. Apgar scores of three or less often mean a baby needs immediate attention and care.