Some major characteristics of a newborn are as follows. Pulse Rate 100 -180, Respiration (30-60) Systolic Blood Pressure (50-70) temperature 96 to 100. Weight 6 to 8 in the first week loss 5% to 10% due to a loss of fluid. Hormones help the neonate make the transition from fetal circulation to independent circulation. Neonate’s first breath is forceful and facilitated in part by the chests passage through the birth canal and the subsequent increase in intrathoracic pressure. Primarily nose breathers and are susceptible to nasal congestion. If you respond to a call for a baby choking, make sure the nasal passages are clear of mucus and other obstructions. Airway is different with larger tongue it is critical that EMT preserve the airway’s patency through proper position. Hyperextending or hyper flexing the infant’s head and neck can easily produce airway obstructions. Be aware when providing bag-mask ventilations to an infant, be aware that the infant’s lungs are fragile – overinflation can result in pressure-induced trauma – barotrauma. The number of alveoli in their lungs is relatively low. Fortunately, the amount of oxygen they need is also relatively low.
The nervous system is different Moro reflex(startle reflex) is illustrated when neonates are caught off guard and startled, at which time they open their arms wide, spread their fingers and appear to be grabbing for something. Palmar grasp reflex occurs when an object is placed into a neonate’s palm and they instinctively closes his or her hand around the object. The rooting reflex is displayed when something touches the neonate’s cheek and they intuitively turn head in the direction of the touch. The Sucking reflex is when a breastfeeding mother strokes her baby’s lips with her nipple, prompting the child to latch on. Cranium is not fully developed and fused together, gaps between these bones are called fontanelles which allow the newborns head to change shape. Any depression in the fontanelle can indicate dehydration. Bulging fontanelle is often a sign that pressure inside the cranium has increased. Crying is the primary method used to communicate distress. Bonding the formation of a close personal relationship, is generally fostered by a secure attachment, which results when the infant understands that his or her parents will respond to his or her need. Anxious-avoidant attachment is the result of recurring rejection
At two month the infant can track, 6 months they can sit upright and making cooing and babbling sounds, 12 months of age, the infant can walk with minimal assistance and knows their name. At 2 months recognizes familiar faces, eyes to track people. During the 3 months brings object to mouth, smiles and frowns. Starting at 4 months reaches arms out to people; drools. From 5 months sleeps throughout the night; distinguishes family members from strangers. After 6 months begins teething; sits upright; speaks one-syllable words. At 7 months afraid of strangers; displays mood swings. During 8 months response to “no”, can sit alone; plays peek-a-boo. When 9 months pulls self up to stand, explores object by placing them in his or her mouth. The newborn at 10 months responds to his or her name, crawls efficiently. When at 11 month begins to walk without assistance. At 12 months knows his or her name. Separation anxiety is common, clingy behavior 10 -18 months.
Passive immunity is further strengthened by antibodies contained in breast milk
For a toddler characteristics are slightly different. Pulse Rate 80 -140, Respiration (20-30) Systolic Blood Pressure (80-100) temperature 98.6. The cardiovascular system of a toddler is not dramatically different from that of an adult. There is the loss of passive immunity. There is a boost in physical activity supports an increase in muscle mass and bone density. Maturation of the renal system and the establishing of elimination patterns(toilet training) – 28 mouths. Autonomy versus shame and doubt – measure of self-sufficiency still very attached to their patents. 3-4 is when toddlers learn to control their own behavior, follow rules, and be competitive. They also being to learn cause and effect
There are some major developments in school aged children. Pulse Rate 70 -120, Respiration (20-35) Systolic Blood Pressure (80-110) temperature 98.6. Baby teeth are replaced by permanent teeth and brain activity in both hemispheres increases. Preconventional reasoning – child’s moral compass is directed by external forces, parental discipline. Right or wrong is judged by its consequences: punishment or incentive. Conventional reasoning, their behavior is more motivated by the approval or peers and society. Postconventional reasoning, moral judgments are more abstract, with the individual beginning to follow an internalized moral compass
When entering adolescents there are some other major changes. Pulse Rate 60 -100, Respiration (12-20) Systolic Blood Pressure (90-110) temperature 98.6. Vital signs begin to level off within the adult ranges. 2 – 3 year growth spur. Menarche of the reproductive system. Common to express independence and may begin to distance themselves from parents and siblings, desiring privacy and personal space. Struggling to create a sense of identity – self-consciousness increases.
For early adults ages nineteen to forty there are some of the characteristics. Pulse Rate 60 -100, Respiration (12-20) Systolic Blood Pressure (90-130) temperature 98.6. Lifelong habits and routines are established, whether healthy or unhealthy. Most early adults spend these years focusing on family and career – “settling down” – despite the amount.
For a middle adult aged 41-60: Pulse Rate 60 -100, Respiration (12-20) Systolic Blood Pressure (90-130) temperature 98.6. The aging process continues to take its toll. Middle adults become more susceptible to vision and hearing loss – cardiovascular health becomes a growing concern and chances of cancer increase. Women in their late 40s to early 50s enter menopause. Increased cholesterol levels, decreased cardiac efficiency and difficulties with weight control. These can be diminished with proper exercise and a healthy diet. Leading cause of death in all age groups younger than 44 years is unintentional injury, the leading cause of death in persons between ages 45 and 64 is cancer. Pressure to accomplish their professional and relational goals, need to adjust after their adult children leave the home and financial means to retire are among the many psychosocial challenges facing the middle adult.
For an older adult there are a significant amount of changes. Pulse Rate 60 -100, Respiration (12-20) Systolic Blood Pressure (90-130) temperature 98.6. Cardiovascular system declines with age due in large part to atherosclerosis, a condition where there is buildup of cholesterol and calcium along the inner walls of blood vessels, resulting in the formation of plaque. 60% of people older than 65 years have atherosclerotic disease. Blood vessels are unable to dilate and contract as effectively thus diastolic blood pressure increases and the heart must work harder to overcome vascular resistance. Loss of bone marrow equals a reduction in the body’s ability to manufacture new blood cells. Loss of blood can be a major issue.
In older adults the respiratory system begins to change. In older adults, the airway increases in size however the surface area of the alveoli decreases, as do the elasticity of the lungs and the strength of the intercostal muscles and diaphragm. Breathing more laborious. The chest is more rigid but fragile. Normally these changes in the respiratory system are gradual, often going unnoticed until the onset of a severe, life-threatening condition. Cough and gag reflexes diminish along with the ability to clear secretions. Strong inhalation can cause the walls of the air to collapse inward creating wheezing, lower flow rates and air trapping in the alveoli. White blood cells of the airway are less aggressive toward invading organisms, more susceptible to lung infections
Regarding the endocrine system the glucose metabolism slows, while insulin production decreases, hormone production in both sexes gradually declines, and although sexual desire not may lessen. In the digestive system both gastric and intestinal functions may inhibit nutrition intake and utilization, tooth loss can make chewing more difficult; taste buds become less sensitive to salty and sweet foods. Taste begins to fade. Decrease in saliva secretion impairs the body’s ability to break down complex carbohydrates. Gastric acid secretion diminishes. Peristalsis( the process by which intestinal contractions move food along the digestive tract) slows with age. Blood flow can drop by as much as 50%. Gallstones are more common. Kidneys decrease in size by 20% and their filtration capabilities will decline by as much as 50%. Nephrons filter blood within the kidney. Ability to remove was declines.
By the time a person is 80 years old age, the brain has decreased in weight by as much as 10% to 20%. Motor and sensory neural networks are slower and less response. Brains metabolic rate and oxygen consumption remain unchanged. Permit the loss of neurons without a loss of knowledge or skill, mental function often declines in the 5 years immediately preceding death. The peripheral nervous system slows with age and sensations become diminished and may be misinterpreted. Sensory alterations may contribute to the higher incidence of falls and trauma in older adults. Pupillary reaction and ocular movements become more restrictive with age. Hearing loss is about four times more common than vision loss
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