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Question

Consider the following conditions :
Response to tactile stimulationHeart RateBlood PressureTone
AYesNormalNormalNormal
BYesFallingNormalDecreasing
CNoFallingFallingDecreasing
DNoRisingNormalNormal
Primary apnea in a neonate is characterized by which one of the above conditions?

The correct answer is
B

Understanding Primary Apnea in Neonates

Primary apnea is the initial respiratory arrest seen in newborns, often occurring shortly after birth. It is typically transient and resolves with stimulation.

Key Characteristics of Primary Apnea

The defining features of primary apnea include:

  • A temporary pause in breathing.
  • Initial response to tactile stimulation (e.g., rubbing the baby's back).
  • A subsequent fall in heart rate (bradycardia).
  • Decreased muscle tone.
  • A potential drop in blood pressure.

Analysis of Conditions

Let's analyze the given conditions in the context of primary apnea:

Condition Response to Tactile Stimulation Heart Rate Blood Pressure Tone
A Yes Normal Normal Normal
B Yes Falling Normal Decreasing
C No Falling Falling Decreasing
D No Rising Normal Normal

  • Option A: Normal vital signs and tone indicate this is not primary apnea.
  • Option B: Shows a response to stimulation (Yes), falling heart rate, and decreasing tone. While blood pressure is listed as Normal, the presence of falling heart rate and decreasing tone, alongside responsiveness to stimulation, strongly points towards primary apnea.
  • Option C: Characterized by no response to stimulation, falling heart rate, blood pressure, and tone. This pattern is more indicative of secondary apnea, which occurs after a period of sustained respiratory distress and is unresponsive to initial stimulation.
  • Option D: Rising heart rate and normal vital signs do not align with any form of apnea.

Conclusion

Primary apnea is characterized by initial respiratory pauses that respond to stimulation, accompanied by a falling heart rate and decreasing tone. Option B best represents these key features.

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Important Questions from Neonatal Care

  1. Which one of the following statements is correct regarding physiology of breastfeeding?
  2. If a baby does not begin breathing in response to tactile stimulation, then the baby is assumed to be in:
  3. Consider the following statements about human breast milk : 

    1. 75% of breast milk content is water. 

    2. Breast milk is poor in taurine and cysteine. 

    3. Breast milk is particularly rich in omega 2 and omega 6 fatty acids. 

    4. High lactose content of breast milk helps in absorption of calcium. 

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

  4. Which of the following are signs of good attachment during breastfeeding? 

    1. The baby's nose is at the level of the nipple. 

    2. The baby's mouth is wide open. 

    3. The baby's chin touches the breast. 

    4. The baby's lower lip is everted. 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  5. A full-term baby born with birth weight of 2000 g comes for well-baby visit at two months of age. Which of the following nutritional supplements would you advise?
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