RNC-LRN key terms

A 0 to 10 rating assigned at one and five minutes after birth based on heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color. It summarizes how well the newborn tolerated birth and whether resuscitation is needed.

A physical and neurologic examination scoring system used in the first hours of life to estimate gestational age, typically within two weeks. It assesses skin, lanugo, plantar creases, breast tissue, genitals, posture, and reflexes.

Heat production in the newborn that does not involve shivering. Brown adipose tissue, concentrated around the neck, back, and kidneys, burns fat to release heat when the infant becomes cold.

The series of cardiorespiratory changes in the first minutes to hours after birth: lung fluid is cleared, breathing begins, pulmonary vascular resistance falls, and the ductus arteriosus and foramen ovale close.

Swelling of the scalp present at birth that crosses suture lines and results from pressure of the cervix on the presenting head. It is soft, pits with pressure, and usually resolves within days without treatment.

An infant born between 34 weeks 0 days and 36 weeks 6 days of gestation. These newborns look near term but are at higher risk for hypoglycemia, jaundice, feeding difficulty, temperature instability, and respiratory problems.

A newborn whose birth weight is below the 10th percentile for gestational age. These infants have less fat and glycogen reserve, so they are prone to hypoglycemia, cold stress, and feeding difficulties.

Failure of a fetus to reach expected growth potential in utero, often from placental insufficiency, maternal hypertension, or infection. Affected newborns may be small for gestational age and need early feeding and glucose monitoring.

Rupture of the amniotic sac more than 18 hours before birth. It increases the newborn's exposure to vaginal bacteria and raises the risk of early-onset sepsis, so infants are watched closely for signs of infection.

Infection of the amniotic fluid, membranes, placenta, or uterus, often called chorioamnionitis, marked by maternal fever, uterine tenderness, or foul-smelling fluid. It raises the newborn's risk of pneumonia and sepsis.

Greenish-brown staining of amniotic fluid when the fetus passes meconium before birth. It may signal fetal stress and requires airway assessment and suctioning as needed right after delivery.

A group of withdrawal signs in newborns exposed to opioids or other substances in utero, including tremors, high-pitched cry, poor feeding, loose stools, and irritability. Care centers on soothing, small frequent feeds, and sometimes medication.

Carriage of group B streptococcus in the pregnant person's genital or gastrointestinal tract. It can be passed to the newborn during birth and cause sepsis or pneumonia, so intrapartum antibiotics are given when indicated.

A set of environmental conditions in which a newborn keeps a normal core temperature with the least possible oxygen use and energy expenditure. It is achieved with warm surfaces, hats, blankets, and skin-to-skin contact.

Waiting roughly 30 to 60 seconds or more after birth before clamping the umbilical cord. It lets blood from the placenta reach the newborn, increasing iron stores and blood volume, and is recommended for most term infants.

An intramuscular injection of vitamin K given to every newborn shortly after birth. Newborns cannot make enough vitamin K, so the shot prevents vitamin K deficiency bleeding, which can occur in the brain or gut.

Antibiotic ointment placed in each lower eyelid within the first hour after birth to prevent gonococcal and chlamydial eye infection acquired during delivery. It is required by law in most U.S. states.

A heel-prick test done after 24 hours of age and before discharge that screens for inherited metabolic, endocrine, hemoglobin, and immune disorders. Early detection allows treatment before serious harm occurs.

Pulse oximetry measured on the right hand and one foot before discharge to detect ductal-dependent heart defects. A low oxygen saturation or a difference between the two sites prompts further evaluation with echocardiography.

Keeping the cord stump clean and dry, folding the diaper below it, and letting it fall off naturally in one to three weeks. Redness, swelling, foul drainage, or bleeding suggest infection and need prompt report.

The thick, yellowish first milk produced in the first days after birth. It is small in volume but rich in antibodies and protein, and acts as the newborn's first immunization and as a laxative that helps pass meconium.

Feeding an infant only breast milk, without formula, water, or other liquids, while allowing vitamins and medicines. It is recommended for about the first six months and helps protect against infection.

A scored breastfeeding assessment that rates latch, audible swallowing, nipple type, comfort, and hold or help. Each item scores 0 to 2, giving a total that guides teaching and documentation.

Early signs a newborn is ready to eat, such as rooting, hand-to-mouth movements, sucking sounds, and stirring. Crying is a late cue, so feeding on early cues supports calmer, more effective feeds.

The common, usually harmless rise in bilirubin that appears after the first 24 hours of life and peaks around days three to five. It reflects the newborn's immature liver and short-lived red blood cells.

A bilirubin level that rises faster, appears earlier, reaches higher values than expected, or persists too long. It requires prompt evaluation and treatment because of the danger of bilirubin entering the brain.

Permanent brain damage from very high bilirubin that deposits in the basal ganglia. It can cause hearing loss, cerebral palsy, and abnormal eye movements, and is prevented by timely phototherapy or exchange transfusion.

A blood glucose below the expected range for a newborn's age and risk factors, which may cause jitteriness, poor feeding, lethargy, or no symptoms at all. Treatment is early feeding and, if needed, intravenous glucose.

A bacterial infection that appears in the first week of life, usually acquired from the birth canal or amniotic fluid. Signs are subtle and include poor feeding, temperature instability, respiratory distress, and lethargy.

Normal weight loss in the first days after birth, up to about 7 to 10 percent of birth weight, from fluid loss and passage of meconium. Birth weight is usually regained by about two weeks of age.

Fast breathing in the first hours after birth caused by slow clearing of fetal lung fluid, often after cesarean birth or in infants born near term. It usually resolves within 24 to 72 hours with supportive care.

Keeping the newborn in the same room as the parent throughout the hospital stay, day and night. It supports breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact, and parent confidence while allowing frequent observation by nurses.

Placing a diaper-clad newborn prone and upright on a parent's bare chest, covered with a blanket. It stabilizes temperature, breathing, and glucose, and promotes breastfeeding and bonding.

Asking the parent to explain or show back what they were taught, in their own words. It confirms understanding and corrects gaps before discharge rather than assuming the information was received.

Placing infants alone, on the back, in a crib with a firm mattress and no loose bedding, for every sleep. This practice lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and accidental suffocation.

A workplace approach that treats honest errors as learning opportunities while still holding people accountable for reckless behavior. It encourages reporting, which reveals system problems that threaten newborn safety.

A structured team review after a serious event that traces contributing factors in systems, processes, and communication. The goal is to redesign care so the same harm is unlikely to happen again.

Checking two independent patient identifiers, such as name and medical record number, before medications, procedures, or feeding. It prevents wrong-patient errors, which are more likely when names are similar or units are busy.