MAS110_WK5_Infant vital sign Discussion_11.1.23
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Fortis Institute, Port Saint Lucie *
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MOA110
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Medicine
Date
Dec 6, 2023
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docx
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INFANT VITAL SIGNS:
What accommodations must be made when taking vital signs on an infant?
When taking vital signs on an infant you want to start with the
most non-invasive vital sign first.
The accommodations that must be made when taking vital signs
on an infant include the following:
1. Sanitization of supplies before and after use.
2. Ensure a normal heart rate.
3. The use of an appropriate size diaphragm and bell.
4. Auscultating for one (1) full minute or sixty (60) seconds, so as
to count the apical pulse.
5. Check the infant's blood pressure.
Vital signs can be defined as a group of essential medical
information that indicate the status and proper functioning of an
individual's body system.
Basically, vital signs are taken to help a medical practitioner
assess the general physical health and well-being of an individual.
As a medical practitioner (pediatrician), you're required to know
how to assess vital signs on different pediatric populations such
as an infant (newborn baby), especially by checking the following:
Heart rate.
Temperature.
Head circumference.
Respiratory rate.
Weight.
Length.
Chest circumference.
In Medicine, the accommodations that must be made when taking
vital signs on an infant include the following:
1. Sanitization of supplies (equipment) before and after use.
2. Ensure a normal heart rate.
3. The use of an appropriate size diaphragm and bell.
4. Auscultating for one (1) full minute or sixty (60) seconds, so as
to count the apical pulse.
5. Check the infant's blood pressure and temperature.
When collecting vital signs on an infant you will want to keep the
following in mind:
Start with the most non-invasive vital sign first.
Sequence for assessing an infant’s vital signs:
Respirations, heart rate, temperature, weight, length, head
circumference, chest circumference
Supplies needed:
infant size stethoscope, Watch for counting
,
Thermometer
,
Scale,
Measuring Tape
,
Sanitize supplies before and after use, and
perform hand hygiene before and after assessment.
Respirations:
Normal respiratory rate: 30-60 breaths per minute,
Assess for any signs of distress: nasal flaring, chest retractions,
skin color, <30 or >60 breaths per minute.
Count for one full minute: at this age the rate is irregular so you
need to count for 1 full minute. Infants have what is called
periodic breathing (this is where the infant breathes and stops for
a few seconds and then breathes again).
Watch the rise and fall of the chest….one rise and one fall equals
one breath
Tip: infants are abdominal breathers so watch this area or lightly
place a hand on the area while counting
Heart Rate:
Use an appropriate-size diaphragm and bell for the infant.
Normal heart rate: Less than a month old: 100 to 190 bpm (varies on if
sleeping or crying)
One month to year old: 90-180 bpm
Count the apical pulse by auscultating for 1 full minute
Infants can experience sinus arrhythmia which is associated with
respirations….the heart rate speeds up and down with respirations.
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The apical pulse on an infant is found at the 4
TH
intercostal space (ICS),
Lateral to the midclavicular line
***REMEMBER:
In the adult, it was the 5
TH
ICS.***