Final answer:
For a newborn less than 12 hours old, an irregular breathing pattern and fine tremors when crying are considered normal, as is the passage of meconium stool. Persistent cyanosis, however, is not a normal finding and requires medical attention.
Step-by-step explanation:
The normal findings in a newborn less than 12 hours old can include several physiological characteristics that might be concerning in older infants or adults, yet are normal in the immediate newborn period. Among the options provided:
- A. Irregular breathing pattern: It is common for newborns to have an irregular breathing pattern shortly after birth as they adjust to breathing outside the womb.
- B. Persistent cyanosis: This is not a normal finding and could be indicative of a pathology such as congenital heart disease or respiratory distress. Persistent cyanosis would require immediate medical evaluation.
- C. Fine tremors when crying: Fine tremors or jitteriness when crying can be a normal response in newborns due to an immature nervous system.
- D. Passage of meconium stool: The newborn's first stools, which consist almost entirely of meconium, should pass within the first 12 to 24 hours after birth. The passage of meconium is a normal event indicating that the baby's gastrointestinal system is functioning.
It should be noted that aspiration of meconium can cause serious complications, such as labored breathing and increased susceptibility to pulmonary infection. Assessing the newborn with the Apgar score could help determine the baby's well-being, where higher scores suggest a good transition from the womb.