(1)
Common characteristics of newborn respirations.
(a) Nose breathers. Sleeps with mouth closed, does not have to
interrupt feedings to breathe.
(b)
Irregular rate.
(c)
Usually abdominal or diaphragmatic in character.
(d)
Ranges from 40 to 60 breathers per minute.
(e) Breathing is quiet and shallow.
(f)
Easily altered by external stimuli.
(g) Periods of apnea less than 15 seconds is normal.
(h) Acrocyanosis may occur during periods of crying. Acrocyanosis
refers to cyanotic look of the baby's hands and feet when he is crying. When the baby
stops crying, his hands and feet get pink again.
(2)
Signs and symptoms of newborn respiratory distress.
(a) Increased rate or difficulty breathing-growing and seesaw
breathing. In normal respirations, the infant's chest and abdomen rise. With seesaw
respirations, the infant's chest wall retracts and his abdomen rises with inspirations.
See fig. 8-3.
(b)
Sternal or subcostal retractions.
(c)
Nasal flaring.
Figure 8-3. See-saw respirations.
(d)
Excessive mucus, drooling.
(e) Cyanosis.
MD0922
8-5