Vital Signs
Temperature - range 36.5 to 37 axillary
Heart rate - range 120 to 160 beats per minute
Common variations
Heart rate range to 100 when
sleeping to 180 when crying
Color pink with acrocyanosis
Heart rate may be irregular
with crying
Signs of potential distress or deviations from expected findings
Although murmurs may be due to transitional
circulation-all murmurs
should be followed-up and referred for medical
evaluation
Deviation from range
Faint sound
Respiration - range 30 to 60 breaths per minute
Blood pressure - not done routinely
Factors to consider
Varies with change in activity level
Appropriate cuff size important for accurate reading
Average newborn (1 to 3 days) oscillometry pressure value: 65/41 in both upper and lower extremities
Sign of potential distress or deviations from expected findings
Calf systolic pressure 6 to 9 mm Hg less than systolic pressure in upper extremities may be indicative of coarctation of the aorta
General Measurements
Head circumference - 33 to 35 cm
Expected findings
Head should be 2 to 3 cms larger than the chest
Chest circumference - 30.5 to 33 cm
Common variations
Molding
of head may result in a lower head circumference measurement
Head and chest circumference may be equal for the first 24
to 48 hours of life
Weight range - 2500 - 4000 gms (5 lbs. 8oz. - 8 lbs. 13 oz.)
Length range - 48 to 53 cms (19 - 21 inches)
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