lOMoARcPSD|70468202
NSG 3500 Exam 4 Study Guide | Newborn
Transition & Adaptations | Maternal Health |
Galen College of Nursing | 2026
, lOMoARcPSD|70468202
Exam 4 Study Guide
Newborn Transition & High-Risk Newborn
1. Initiation of Respirations
Learning Outcome: Identify factors that influence initiation of respirations.
Four factors stimulate the newborn’s first breath:
Chemical factors
Increased carbon dioxide (hypercarbia)
Hypoxia
Acidosis
These changes stimulate the medulla in the brain to begin breathing
Thermal factors
Temperature change from uterus (~98°F) to room temperature (70–75°F)
Skin receptors detect the temperature change and stimulate breathing.
Mechanical factors
Compression of the chest during birth pushes fluid out of the lungs
Recoil of the chest creates negative pressure allowing air to enter
Sensory factors
Touch
Drying
Light
Sound
These stimuli encourage the newborn to cry and initiate respirations
2. Respiratory Adaptation After Birth
Learning Outcome: Examine normal neonatal transition to extrauterine life.
NSG 3500 Exam 4 Study Guide | Newborn
Transition & Adaptations | Maternal Health |
Galen College of Nursing | 2026
, lOMoARcPSD|70468202
Exam 4 Study Guide
Newborn Transition & High-Risk Newborn
1. Initiation of Respirations
Learning Outcome: Identify factors that influence initiation of respirations.
Four factors stimulate the newborn’s first breath:
Chemical factors
Increased carbon dioxide (hypercarbia)
Hypoxia
Acidosis
These changes stimulate the medulla in the brain to begin breathing
Thermal factors
Temperature change from uterus (~98°F) to room temperature (70–75°F)
Skin receptors detect the temperature change and stimulate breathing.
Mechanical factors
Compression of the chest during birth pushes fluid out of the lungs
Recoil of the chest creates negative pressure allowing air to enter
Sensory factors
Touch
Drying
Light
Sound
These stimuli encourage the newborn to cry and initiate respirations
2. Respiratory Adaptation After Birth
Learning Outcome: Examine normal neonatal transition to extrauterine life.
