Newborn Assessment and Care
Immediate and ongoing newborn assessment detects problems early. Nurses evaluate vital signs, reflexes, and physical characteristics of the neonate.
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What you must know about Newborn Assessment
Normal newborn heart rate is about 120–160 beats/min; respiratory rate is 30–60 breaths/min.
Normal newborn temperature is about 36.5–37.5°C; prevent hypothermia by keeping the baby warm and dry.
Primitive reflexes include Moro, rooting, sucking, grasp, and stepping reflexes.
Immediate care: dry the baby, keep warm, ensure a clear airway, and initiate skin-to-skin contact.
Administer vitamin K to prevent haemorrhagic disease of the newborn.
Danger signs: poor feeding, lethargy, fever/hypothermia, fast breathing, and convulsions.
NMCN Exam Tips
How this topic appears in the NMCN exam
Know normal newborn vital sign ranges (HR 120–160, RR 30–60).
The Moro (startle) reflex is a commonly tested primitive reflex.
Keep the newborn warm and dry to prevent hypothermia.
Vitamin K prevents haemorrhagic disease of the newborn.
Practice Question
Test yourself
What is the normal heart rate range for a healthy newborn?
Explanation
The normal newborn heart rate is approximately 120–160 beats per minute, which is faster than an adult's. Rates persistently outside this range require assessment.
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