Week 10- Neonatal Therapeutics Flashcards
(50 cards)
What are the five core principles of neonatal therapeutic treatment?
- Maintain tissue perfusion, 2. Provide nutritional support, 3. Prevent/treat sepsis, 4. Provide nursing care, 5. Treat primary disease.
What are key signs of hypovolaemia in a neonatal foal?
Obtundation, poor pulse quality, cool extremities, prolonged CRT, pale mucous membranes, poor jugular refill, decreased urination, increased heart rate.
What clinical signs indicate dehydration in a neonatal foal?
Reduced skin turgor, tacky mucous membranes, sunken eyes, reduced corneal moisture, concentrated urine.
What laboratory markers help assess hydration and perfusion status?
Blood lactate, PCV, total protein, creatinine, urine specific gravity, blood pressure.
How should fluid therapy be initiated in an emergency for a 50kg foal?
Give 10ml/kg boluses, reassess frequently; theoretical limit 3–4L; start with 1L Plasmalyte over 30 min.
Why is overuse of crystalloids a concern in neonatal foals?
It may damage the endothelial glycocalyx, leading to increased permeability and worsened systemic condition.
What is the maintenance fluid rate for a neonatal foal?
2–4 ml/kg/hr.
What is the target energy supply rate in sick foals?
4–8 mg/kg/min.
What signs indicate enteral feeding should be avoided in a foal?
Hypothermia, poor perfusion, abdominal distension, lack of borborygmi, colic, reflux.
What is trophic feeding and when is it used?
Feeding tiny milk volumes (e.g., 25 ml every 6–8 hrs) to maintain GI stimulation in foals not tolerating full feeds.
What is the initial nutritional goal in terms of milk volume for a sick 50kg foal?
5% BW/day = 2.5L initially, given in small frequent feeds (e.g., 250 ml every 2 hours).
What is the normal milk intake for healthy foals during the first week?
20–28% of BW/day (e.g., 13–18L for a 65kg foal).
What is the caloric requirement for healthy and sick neonatal foals?
Healthy: 150 kcal/kg/day; Sick: around 50 kcal/kg/day.
What antimicrobial agents are commonly used in neonatal foals?
Ampicillin and amikacin, or penicillin and gentamicin.
What considerations must be taken into account with antimicrobial use in foals?
High body water content, low fat content, immature renal/hepatic function, lower protein binding, reduced hindgut fermentation.
How should passive transfer of immunity be ensured?
Colostrum within first 12 hours or plasma (1L per 2g IgG required).
What is the importance of taking blood cultures in septic foals?
To identify the causative agent and guide antimicrobial therapy.
What are key components of nursing care for a recumbent foal?
Warm, dry, draft-free environment, lubricate eyes, assist to stand and interact with mare every 2 hours.
What is the preferred respiratory support method for foals?
Low flow humidified nasal oxygen (1–15 L/min), maintain in sternal recumbency.
What drugs are used for seizure control in foals?
Diazepam IV or PR, midazolam IV/IM at 0.1–0.2 mg/kg.
What causes respiratory compromise in sick neonatal foals?
Sepsis, compliant chest wall, atelectasis, persistent fetal circulation.
What should be monitored during fluid therapy?
Response to boluses, perfusion parameters, urine output, electrolytes, glucose.
What energy sources can be used intravenously if enteral feeding is not possible?
Parenteral nutrition: IV carbohydrate, protein, and fat.
What is the purpose of the Madigan Squeeze technique?
To mimic the birth canal pressure and aid in treating neonatal maladjustment syndrome.
