Neonatal O2 sat

We interrupt the regularly scheduled ACEP posting to bring you this tidbit from AudioDigest Emergency Medicine:
When measuring SaO2 on a newborn, it takes 10 minutes for the SaO2 to reach 85-95%.
Avoid hyperoxia, this may cause tissue and organ injury due to free radical formation. Start with RA or blended O2.

In addition, studies show that bundling an infant raises the skin temp but not the rectal temp, except in infants 1-2 days of age.
A neonate with rectal T >100.4 F at home warrants a workup even if afebrile in the ED.

Courtesy of Phyllis L. Hendry, MD "Emergency Presentations in the First 28 Days of Life"