Physiological vital sign ranges in newborns from 34 weeks gestation: A systematic review

The birth process and the moments thereafter are a crucial time for newborns as they adapt to extra uterine life. The adaptive process begins immediately and can take a number of days to complete. The process involves initiating and maintaining respirations, thermoregulation, and the change from foetal circulation to newborn circulation. The majority of newborns successfully adapt to extra uterine life, some experience difficulty. Early warning tools may assist clinicians identify early signs of failure to adapt and/or deterioration but these are dependent on ‘Normal’ vital sign reference ranges for triggering an escalation of care.

Source: International Journal of Nursing Studies - October 9, 2017 Category: Nursing Authors: Michelle Paliwoda, Karen New, Fiona Bogossian, Mark Davies Tags: Review article Source Type: research