The health newborn infant Flashcards
What is the typical weight loss range in newborns during the first 3 to 5 days of life?
Newborns may experience a weight loss of up to 10% of their birth weight during the first 3 to 5 days of life.
When is birth weight typically regained in newborns?
Birth weight is usually regained by the seventh day of life in newborns.
How does weight gain typically progress in infants during the first three months?
Subsequent weight gain in infants is usually about 200 g a week (25–30 g/day) for the first three months of life.
How does weight loss in preterm infants compare to term infants during the first days of life?
In preterm infants, weight loss may be greater, reaching up to 15% of their birth weight during the first few days of life.
How does the duration of weight regain differ between preterm and term infants?
Weight regain in preterm infants may take longer compared to term infants.
What is the typical range of head circumference at term?
The typical range of head circumference at term is 33 to 37 cm, with an average of 35 cm.
What is the average rate of increase in head circumference per week?
On average, head circumference increases by approximately 7 mm per week, with a range of 5 to 10 mm.
What is considered a typical increase in head circumference per week?
An average increase of approximately 7 mm per week is considered typical for head circumference during early development.
What is caput succedaneum?
Caput succedaneum refers to the oedematous thickening of the scalp in the presenting area during birth, which often crosses suture lines. It typically disappears within a few days after birth.
Describe the anterior fontanelle.
The anterior fontanelle is diamond-shaped and of variable size. It is normally slightly concave and may be observed to pulsate
When does the anterior fontanelle close
Typically, it closes by 18 months of age
How does caput succedaneum differ from cephalohematoma?
Caput succedaneum involves oedematous thickening of the scalp in the presenting area during birth and usually crosses suture lines, resolving within a few days. In contrast, cephalohematoma is a subperiosteal collection of blood, typically limited by suture lines, and may take weeks to months to resolve.
What is the typical shape and closure time of the posterior fontanelle?
The posterior fontanelle is typically small and triangle-shaped, closing by around 4 months of age.
Define moulding in newborns.
Moulding refers to the altered shape of the newborn’s head in response to pressure during birth, sometimes resulting in the overriding of cranial bones.
What is craniotabes, and when does it typically occur?
Craniotabes is the softening of the skull bones and is a normal finding in most newborns, especially in the parietal region. It may persist in many infants up to 3 months of age
What does persisting craniotabes suggests
Severe or prolonged craniotabes may suggest metabolic bone disease or osteogenesis imperfecta.
What is the typical appearance of the neck in a newborn?
A newborn typically appears to have a short neck.
What are examples of midline swellings that are rare in newborns?
Midline swellings such as dermoid and thyroglossal cysts are uncommon in newborns.
What is a sternomastoid ‘tumour,’ and when does it typically appear?
A sternomastoid ‘tumour’ is a hard lump that appears in the body of the sternomastoid muscle, usually a few days after birth.
What causes sternomastoid “tumor”
It is often caused by trauma or avascular necrosis.
What condition may result from a sternomastoid ‘tumour,’ and how is it treated?
A sternomastoid ‘tumour’ may cause torticollis, a condition characterized by the neck being twisted to one side. Torticollis usually improves with physiotherapy.
How common are sternomastoid ‘tumours’ in newborns?
Sternomastoid ‘tumours’ are uncommon in newborns.
What may cause difficulty in examining the eyes of newborn infants initially?
Strong reflex closure of the eyes may cause difficulty in examining newborn infants’ eyes initially.
What is the significance of the ‘red reflex’ in newborn eye examinations?
The ‘red reflex’ should be present, indicating the reflection of light from the back of the eye
What does a white pupil suggest
A white pupil may suggest conditions like cataracts or retinoblastoma
How does the appearance of the pupil contribute to eye examination findings?
The pupil should appear black and not grey. Abnormalities such as cataracts and retinoblastoma can cause a white pupil.
What can the color of the sclerae indicate in preterm infants?
In preterm infants, the sclerae may have a blue tinge due to the transmission of the darker color of underlying uveal tissue through the underdeveloped sclerae
What does a darker blue sclerae suggest
Darker blue sclerae may suggest osteogenesis imperfecta.
Why may the color of the iris be unpredictable in newborn infants?
The color of the iris in newborn infants is indefinite and not predictive of the color in older infants.
What is the significance of tears in newborn infants during the first few weeks?
Tears are rare in newborn infants during the first few weeks of life.
What visual abilities do newborn infants possess from birth?
Newborn infants are able to see from birth and should be able to follow a red or bright moving object.
Describe the appearance and significance of subconjunctival haemorrhage in newborns.
Subconjunctival haemorrhage appears as a bright red patch, often adjacent to the cornea, with no serious significance. It disappears within a few weeks and may be more common after traumatic delivery.
What condition may be indicated by abnormally large eyes in newborn infants?
Abnormally large eyes in newborn infants may indicate congenital glaucoma, which requires early treatment due to its importance.
What is the usual course of subconjunctival haemorrhage in newborns?
Subconjunctival haemorrhage usually resolves spontaneously within a few weeks.
What are some common findings related to the ears in newborn infants?
Common findings related to the ears in newborn infants include preauricular skin tags and sinuses, which typically cause no problems.
What maternal condition may be associated with hairy ears in newborn infants?
Hairy ears are common in newborn infants of diabetic mothers.
What potential significance do low set ears and unusual shapes of ears have in newborn infants?
Low set ears and unusual shapes of ears in newborn infants can be common findings in certain syndromes.
Congenital nasal obstruction
choanal atresia
Acquired nasal obstruction
nasal secretions
What is the significance of nasal obstruction in newborn infants?
may cause feeding problems or respiratory distress in newborn infants, as they are obligate nose breathers.
What are sucking blisters, and where are they commonly found in newborn infants?
Sucking blisters are thickened areas on the upper lip of newborn infants, usually located in the midline.