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Discussion

Apnea

So I'm an ED pediatric nurse, but I occasionally get really small newborns. I was wondering how many seconds is considered an 'apnic episode'.

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    I believe that the textbook definition is greater than 20 seconds. The bigger indicator of true apnea (as opposed to normal periodic breathing) is a change in VS (drop in HR or sats) and/or color change.

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    What you are describing sounds more like periodic breathing, which can be very normal for newborns. Like adventure_rn suggested I would be far more concerned about cyanosis, bradies, or desats than the time in between their breaths.

    I would also be curious how they are measuring an apenic episode, parents and clinicians who are not experienced with neonates tend to over estimate the time in between breaths.

    Transfers from general EDs or peds ED with lower acuity often provide poor reports and either miss relevant findings or become fixed on some finding that is benign but they are not used to.

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    I'd say 20s because that is what the Phillips monitors are set at to alarm apnea.

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