Title: Describe care of the newborn.
Course: Practical Nursing III (14052-III) > Section: Examining the Nursing Process for the Maternal and Newborn Client

Description should include

- characteristics of a normal newborn
- procedures performed immediately after birth, including diagnostic lab tests
- newborn safety
- respiration, infection control, temperature regulation
- normal reflexes
- complications
- care plan
- nutrition
- elimination
- immunizations
- prophylactic administration
- client education.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What are the characteristics of the normal newborn?
- How is the newborn evaluated using the Apgar scoring system?
- What is involved in the procedures that are performed immediately after birth, such as
  - airway clearing
  - cord clamping
  - assessment
  - identification
  - prevention of cold stress?
- How would respirations be initiated chemically and mechanically?
- What are two nursing interventions for preventing aspiration in the newborn?
- What are the five areas of assessment of the newborn upon admission to the nursery?
- What are the infection control and safety routines of the healthcare provider?
- How would the temperature-regulating mechanism of the newborn be described?
- What are the eight reflexes normally present in the newborn?
- What criteria are involved in a gestational age assessment from birth to one month?
- What role does the presence of excess red blood cells play in physiologic jaundice?
- How would one develop a care plan for the normal newborn, including
  - weighing
  - measuring
  - cord care
  - positioning
  - bathing
  - hours of sleep
  - parent-infant interaction
  - care of circumcision
  - feeding
  - diapering
  - emotional support
  - signs and symptoms of illness?
- How would aspects of nutrition, including stomach capacity, sucking, caloric needs, weight loss, and vomiting be described?
- What are the characteristics of food substances that are easily digestible, such as breast milk and formula?
- What is involved in normal elimination, including time frame and assessment?
- What is the importance of vitamin K administration and eye prophylaxis for all newborns?