Which would be part of a normal respiratory assessment in a newborn?

Which would be part of a normal respiratory assessment in a newborn?

• A. Observation of abdominal breathing
• B. A respiratory rate of 70 breaths per minute
• C. Breathing pattern that is regular and even
• D. Primarily mouth-breathing

Answer: (A)

In newborns, normal respiration is primarily diaphragmatic, so you would expect to see abdominal movement rise with each breath. The abdomen tends to participate more than the chest in early life, and nasal breathing is preferred over mouth breathing. Seeing the abdomen rise as the breath enters is a good sign of normal respiration. A rate of 70 breaths per minute is faster than typical for a healthy newborn, so that would not be considered normal. A breathing pattern described as regular and even isn’t typical for newborns, who often show irregular patterns with brief pauses (periodic breathing). Mouth-breathing is not normal in newborns, who breathe mainly through the nose.

In newborns, normal respiration is primarily diaphragmatic, so you would expect to see abdominal movement rise with each breath. The abdomen tends to participate more than the chest in early life, and nasal breathing is preferred over mouth breathing.

Seeing the abdomen rise as the breath enters is a good sign of normal respiration. A rate of 70 breaths per minute is faster than typical for a healthy newborn, so that would not be considered normal. A breathing pattern described as regular and even isn’t typical for newborns, who often show irregular patterns with brief pauses (periodic breathing). Mouth-breathing is not normal in newborns, who breathe mainly through the nose.