NSG 307 - Exam 3 Study Guide

NSG 307 - Exam 3 Study Guide/NSG 307 - Exam 3 Study Guide. Ch 22 Newborn System Adaptations to Extra uterine Life Respiratory System Adaptations: o Initiation of breathing is stimulated by: o When the baby is born and circulation decreases in the umbilical cord, circulating oxygen decreases and carbon dioxide increases resulting in respiratory acidosis which stimulates the respiratory center in the medulla oblongata to encourage the baby to breathe o Mechanical factors stimulate breathing by compression and recoil of the chest during the actual vaginal spaces, then air fills the lungs and expands the alveoli. Sufficient surfactant assists the alveoli to remain open. o Thermal: The shift in temperature from an average of 98.6 to a low 70s environmentally which also stimulates the breathing center. o Sensory: Handling the baby, vigorous drying, suctioning, lights, sounds and odors contribute to breathing. o Cyanosis of the hands and feet (acrocyanosis) is a normal finding during the first 24 hours o Chemical factors: decreased oxygen, increase in CO2 o Assessment of respirations includes assessing the respiratory rate, color, and any signs of distress o Nasal flaring, retractions, grunting, seesaw breathing, apnea, tachypnea o Respiratory rate should be 30-60 bpm o Can have pauses in breathing for less than 20 seconds; this is called periodic breathers