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Newborn Care: Measuring Infant Length, Weight Loss, and Temperature, Schemes and Mind Maps of Nursing

Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS)Nursing

The procedures for measuring an infant's length, weight loss, and body temperature after birth. It also covers topics such as cord atrophy, jaundice, stool color and frequency, and nursing priorities. The document emphasizes the importance of proper hand hygiene and securing identification bands for both the infant and mother.

Typology: Schemes and Mind Maps

2021/2022

Uploaded on 09/07/2022

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Newborn
443
2. Heat is generated immediately by shivering; infant
shivering is characterized by increased muscular
activity, restlessness, and crying.
3. Metabolism of brown fat (brown ad ipose tissue)
functions to produce heat under the st ress of
cooling.
4. Effect of chilling on the neonate.
a. Increased heat production leads to increased
oxygen consu mption, which leades to increased
metabolism of glucose and brown fat.
b. When heat production is high, caloric need is
high.
c. Tendency to develop metabolic acidosis occurs.
d. Production of surfactant is inhibited by cooling,
and respiratory distress syndrome may occur.
e. Increased risk with smaller neonates.
D. Leng th.
1. Average body length of term neonate: 45 to 55 cm
(18 to 22 inches).
2. Infantismeasu redbybeingplacedflatontheback
on paper and deter mining the distance from head to
heel; a pencil is used to mark the locations of head
and heels, and the dist ance between locations is
measured when the infant is removed.
E. Weig ht .
1. Average birth weight for a term neonate: 3400 gm
(7 lb 8 oz).
2. Weight loss: between 5% and 10% of birth weight
withinthefirstfewdaysoflife;infantusuallyre-
gains weight within 10 to 14 days.
F. He ad .
1. Mol ding .
a. Head may appear elongated at bir th; molding
usually disappears within 24 to 48 hou rs.
b. Occu rs as a result of abnormal fetal postu re in
utero and pressure du ring passage through the
birth canal.
2. Caputsuccedaneu m(Figure21-1).
a. Edemaofthescalpcausedbythepressureoc-
cu rring at the time of delivery.
b. Disappears within 3 to 4 days.
c. Edema goes across the cranial suture lines.
3. Cephalhematoma.
a. A collection of blood between the periosteum
and the skull.
b. Usually results from trauma during labor and
delivery.
NORMAL NEWBORN
Biological Adaptations in the
Neonatal Period
Data Collection
A. Respirator y system.
1. Respirations are usually established within 1 minute
afterbir th,oftenwith inthefirstfewseconds.
2. Lusty cry usually accompan ies good respirator y
effor t.
3. Newborn respirat ion should be quiet; no dyspnea or
cyanosis.
4. Cyanosis may be apparent in the hands and feet
(acrocyanosis); circumoral cyanosis (around the
mouth) may persist for an hour or two after birth but
should subside.
5. Average respiratory rate: 30 to 60 breaths/min.
6. Respiratory movements: Diaphragmatic and
abdominal muscles are used; very little thoracic
moveme nt.
7. Neonatebreathesthroughthenose(obligatenose-
breather); consequently, nasal obstruct ion with
mucus will lead to respiratory distress.
B. Circulatory system.
1. Closure of the ductus arteriosus, the foramen ovale,
and the ductus venosus.
2. Circulatory changes are not always immediate and
complete: usually complete in a few days; often th is
period is called transitional circulation.
3. Pulserate:100-160beats/min.
4. NormalBPissystolic60-80mmHganddiastolic
40-50mmHgmeasuredusingDopplerultrasonog-
raphy– need correctly sized cuff.
C. Body temperatu re and heat production.
1. Body temperature may drop to 94° F (34.4° C) or
even as low as 92° F (33.3° C) after birth unless the
infant is adequately protected.
NURSING PR IORITY: ✔ Excessive heat loss occurs
from radiation and convection becau se of the newborn’s
larger surface area as compared with body weight. It
is important to remember that conduction loss occurs
as a result of the marked difference between core body
temperature and skin temperature.
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Download Newborn Care: Measuring Infant Length, Weight Loss, and Temperature and more Schemes and Mind Maps Nursing in PDF only on Docsity!

Newborn

  1. Heat is generated immediately by shivering; infant shivering is characterized by increased muscular activity, restlessness, and crying.
  2. Metabolism of brown fat (brown adipose tissue) functions to produce heat under the stress of cooling.
  3. Effect of chilling on the neonate. a. Increased heat production leads to increased oxygen consumption, which leades to increased metabolism of glucose and brown fat. b. When heat production is high, caloric need is high. c. Tendency to develop metabolic acidosis occurs. d. Production of surfactant is inhibited by cooling, and respiratory distress syndrome may occur. e. Increased risk with smaller neonates. D. Length.
  4. Average body length of term neonate: 45 to 55 cm (18 to 22 inches).
  5. Infant is measured by being placed flat on the back on paper and determining the distance from head to heel; a pencil is used to mark the locations of head and heels, and the distance between locations is measured when the infant is removed. E. Weight.
  6. Average birth weight for a term neonate: 3400 gm (7 lb 8 oz).
  7. Weight loss: between 5% and 10% of birth weight within the first few days of life; infant usually re- gains weight within 10 to 14 days. F. Head.
  8. Molding. a. Head may appear elongated at birth; molding usually disappears within 24 to 48 hours. b. Occurs as a result of abnormal fetal posture in utero and pressure during passage through the birth canal.
  9. Caput succedaneum (Figure 21-1). a. Edema of the scalp caused by the pressure oc- curring at the time of delivery. b. Disappears within 3 to 4 days. c. Edema goes across the cranial suture lines.
  10. Cephalhematoma. a. A collection of blood between the periosteum and the skull. b. Usually results from trauma during labor and delivery.

NORMAL NEWBORN

Biological Adaptations in the

Neonatal Period

Data Collection

A. Respiratory system.

  1. Respirations are usually established within 1 minute after birth, often within the first few seconds.
  2. Lusty cry usually accompanies good respiratory effort.
  3. Newborn respiration should be quiet; no dyspnea or cyanosis.
  4. Cyanosis may be apparent in the hands and feet (acrocyanosis); circumoral cyanosis (around the mouth) may persist for an hour or two after birth but should subside.
  5. Average respiratory rate: 30 to 60 breaths/min.
  6. Respiratory movements: Diaphragmatic and abdominal muscles are used; very little thoracic movement.
  7. Neonate breathes through the nose (obligate nose- breather); consequently, nasal obstruction with mucus will lead to respiratory distress. B. Circulatory system.
  8. Closure of the ductus arteriosus, the foramen ovale, and the ductus venosus.
  9. Circulatory changes are not always immediate and complete: usually complete in a few days; often this period is called transitional circulation.
  10. Pulse rate: 100-160 beats/min.
  11. Normal BP is systolic 60-80 mm Hg and diastolic 40-50 mm Hg measured using Doppler ultrasonog- raphy– need correctly sized cuff. C. Body temperature and heat production.
  12. Body temperature may drop to 94° F (34.4° C) or even as low as 92° F (33.3° C) after birth unless the infant is adequately protected.

✔ NURSING PRIORITY: Excessive heat loss occurs

from radiation and convection because of the newborn’s larger surface area as compared with body weight. It is important to remember that conduction loss occurs as a result of the marked difference between core body temperature and skin temperature.

c. Absorbed in a few weeks; does not cross cranial suture lines.

  1. Head measurement. a. Average head circumference of the term neo- nate: 34.2 cm; usual variation ranges from 33 to 35 cm (13 to 14 inches). b. Head circumference is approximately 2 to 3 cm greater than the chest circumference; extremes in size may indicate microcephaly, hydrocephaly, or increased intracranial pressure. TEST ALERT: Compare physical development of newborn with identified norms
  2. Fontanels (anterior and posterior). a. Palpate for size and tension. b. Increase in tension may indicate tumor, hemor- rhage, infection, or congenital anomaly. c. Decrease in tension (sunken fontanel) may indicate dehydration. d. Anterior will close in about 12 to 18 months; posterior will close in 2 to 3 months. G. Umbilical cord.
  3. Determine number of blood vessels; there should be two arteries and one vein surrounded by Wharton’s jelly.
  4. Cord atrophies and sloughs off by day 10 to 14. H. Nervous system.
  5. Nervous system is relatively immature and charac- terized by the following: a. Poor nervous control; easily startled. b. Quivering chin. c. Tremors of the lower extremities of short duration. d. Sleep and awake states. (1) Newborn sleeps an average of 16 to 20 hours a day during the first 2 weeks of life, with an average of 4 hours at a time. (2) May vary from a drowsy or semi-dozing state to an alert state to a crying state.
  6. Presence of positive Babinski sign. a. Normal finding until the age of 1 year. b. Dorsiflexion of big toe and fanning of the other toes.
  7. Neonatal reflexes (Table 21-1). ✔ NURSING PRIORITY: Intactness of the neonate’s nervous system is indicated by the state of alertness, resting posture, cry, and quality of muscle tone and motor activity. I. Hematological system.
  8. Physiological jaundice; increased incidence in breast-fed infants; occurs on the second or third day of life as a result of an increase in the serum biliru- bin level.
  9. Pathological jaundice occurs within 24 hours of birth (see hemolytic disease of the newborn).
  10. Transitory coagulation defects. a. Result from the lack of intestinal synthesis of vitamin K because of insufficient bacterial flora in the GI tract. b. Vitamin K (0.5 to 1.0 mg) is administered intramuscularly in the vastus lateralis to prevent complications. J. GI tract.
  11. Stools. ✔ NURSING PRIORITY: Monitor the passage of the first meconium stool. a. Meconium: sticky, black, odorless, sterile stool that is passed within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth; if no stool is passed, further assessment is needed. b. Stools change according to type and amount of feedings. (1) Transitional stools: occurs during period between second and fourth day; consist of meconium and milk; greenish brown or greenish yellow; loose and often contain mucus. (2) Milk stools: usually occur by the fourth day; stools of formula-fed infant are drier, more formed, paler, and occur once or twice daily or 1 stool every 2-3 days (3) Stools of breast-fed infants are golden yel- low, have a pasty consistency, and occur more frequently than stools of formula-fed infants, 3-4 stools in 24 hours. FIGURE 26-1 Caput succedaneum. (From Zerwekh J, Claborn J, Miller CJ: Memory notebook of nursing, vol 2, ed 3, Ingram, 2007, Nursing Education Consultants.)

A. Position infant with head slightly lower than chest; may use postural drainage or side-lying position. B. Suction nostrils and oropharynx with bulb syringe. C. Observe for apnea, cyanosis, and mucus collection and if noted report to RN. ✔ NURSING PRIORITY: During first 4 hours after birth, the priority nursing goals are to maintain a clear airway, maintain a neutral thermal environment, and prevent hemorrhage and infection. Bathing will be initiated when infant’s temperature is stabilized; feeding may begin immediately if infant is interested. v Goal: To protect against heat loss. A. Immediately after birth, wrap infant in warm blanket and dry off amniotic fluid. B. Replace wet blanket with warm dry blanket. C. Cover wet hair and head with a blanket or cap. D. Give infant to mother to cuddle; place infant on a warm padded surface, preferably under a radiant heater or in an incubator; or provide for skin-to-skin contact with the mother. v Goal: To collect data and assess physical condition and behavior. A. Determine Apgar score at 1 minute and again at 5 min- utes (see Table 20-7 for Apgar scoring). ✔ NURSING PRIORITY: The APGAR score at 1 minute evaluates the neonate’s intrauterine oxygenation; at 5 minutes it evaluates the status of the neonate’s cardiorespiratory adaptation after birth. B. Monitor vital signs every 15 minutes to 1 hour until infant’s temperature stabilizes (usually in about 4 hours) and record incubator temperature. C. Weigh and measure infant. v Goal: To assess periods of reactivity. A. First period of reactivity - newborn is alert, awake, and usually hungry. B. Sleep phase - sleep usually occurs an average of 3 to 4 hours after birth and may last from a few minutes to several hours. Newborn is difficult to awaken during this phase. C. Second period of reactivity.

  1. Infant is alert and awake.
  2. Lasts approximately 4 to 6 hours. ✔ NURSING PRIORITY: It is important to monitor the infant closely because apnea, decreased heart rate, gagging, choking, and regurgitation may occur and require nursing intervention. v Goal: To protect against infection. A. Follow guidelines for proper hand hygiene before and between handling infants. B. Prevent ophthalmia neonatorum.
  3. Administer prophylactic treatment to eyes soon after birth.
  4. Place ophthalmic ointment in the lower conjunctival sac. C. Avoid exposure to people with possible upper respira- tory tract, skin, or GI infections. D. Hepatitis B vaccination recommended at birth and routine HIV screening. v Goal: To prevent bleeding problems (hypofibrino- genemia). A. Administer 0.5 to 1.0 mg of vitamin K, intramuscularly into the upper third of the lateral aspect of the thigh (vastus lateralis). v Goal: To properly identify infant. A. Secure identification bands to wrist or ankle of infant and wrist of mother in the delivery room. B. Prints of infant’s foot, palms, or fingers may be obtained according to hospital policy; mother’s palm prints or fingerprints may also be obtained. C. Advise parents not to release the infant to anyone who does not have proper unit identification. TEST ALERT: Promote newborn and family bonding. v Goal: To initiate feeding and to evaluate parents’ ability to feed infant and provide nutrition. A. Encourage breast feeding, if desired, immediately after delivery or in recovery area; breast milk is bacteriologi- cally safe. B. First formula feeding or test feeding: administer 10 to 15 mL of sterile water to assist GI tract patency followed by formula. C. Considerations in infant feeding.
  5. An infant should always be placed on the right side after feeding to avoid aspiration and prevent regur- gitation and distention.
  6. Infant will require more frequent feedings initially; will generally establish a routine of feeding every 3 to 4 hours. v Goal: To provide daily general care. A. Care of the umbilical cord stump.
  7. Hospital protocol directs routine cord care, which may include using a drying solution of alcohol and triple dye that is applied to the cord.
  8. Clean the umbilical cord stump several times a day with soap and water, especially after infant voids (for a male infant).
  9. To encourage drying of the cord, expose umbilical area to air frequently and position diaper below umbilicus.
  10. Observe for bleeding, oozing, or foul odor. B. Circumcision care.
  11. Keep area clean; change diaper frequently.
  1. Observe for bleeding – check site hourly for 12 hours postprocedure.
  2. A small sterile petrolatum gauze dressing may be applied to the area during the first 2 to 3 days (Gomco and Mogen clamp).
  3. If a PlastiBell was used, keep area clean; application of petrolatum jelly is not necessary; plastic ring will dislodge when area has healed (5-7 days). ✔ NURSING PRIORITY: Teach the parents that a whitish-yellow exudate around the glans is granulation tissue and is normal and not indicative of infection. It may be observed for 2 to 3 days and should not be removed. C. Neonate’s bath.
  4. Bath is delayed until vital signs and temperature stabilize.
  5. Warm water is used for the first 4 days; do not im- merse infant in water until umbilical cord stump has been released.
  6. When bathing neonate, apply principles of clean- to-dirty areas; wash areas in the following order: eyes, face, ears, head, body, genitals, buttocks.
  7. Head is an area of significant heat loss; keep it covered. D. Determine weight loss over first 24 hours after birth
  • monitor wet diapers. E. Assess stools.
  1. Meconium stools.
  2. Transitional stools. v Goal: To detect complications and provide early treat- ment. A. Newborn screening test after first 24 hours for a formu- la-fed infant or neonate; if mother is breast-feeding, explain importance of returning when infant is 1 week old to obtain blood sample; newborns are screened for the following disorders: galactosemia, hypothyroidism, and sickle cell anemia. B. Administration of first hepatitis B vaccine before dis- charge; also, hepatitis B immune globulin is given intramuscularly, if mother is a hepatitis B carrier.
  3. Encourage follow-up visits for second and third doses of hepatitis B vaccine and other immuniza- tions. ✔ NURSING PRIORITY: Explain to parents the importance of returning for a well-baby check when the infant is 2 to 4 weeks old. v Goal: To promote infant feeding. B. Breast-feeding.
  4. First feeding should occur immediately or within a few hours after birth.
  5. Frequent feedings are important initially to estab- lish milk production, often every 1½ to 2 hours. C. Bottle-feeding.
  6. It is not necessary to sterilize the water used to re- constitute infant’s formula.
  7. The infant should be placed in a semi-upright posi- tion for feeding.
  8. Never prop the bottle, and always hold the infant.
  9. Do not warm bottles or any food for infants in the microwave. ✔ NURSING PRIORITY: Proportions of formula must not be altered, teach mother to not dilute or expand the amount of formula or concentrate it to provide more calories.

HOME CARE

v Goal: To teach about home phototherapy for mild to moderate jaundice. A. Place nude infant under bili-lights, exposing all areas to the light except for eyes and genitalia; cover infant’s eyes with an opaque mask or eye patch and cover genitalia with a diaper or a disposable face mask (string bikini to expose more skin).

  1. Reposition infant every 2 hours to expose as much body surface as possible.
  2. Chart pertinent information relating to time phototherapy was started and stopped, mainte- nance of shielding of the eyes from bili-light, type and intensity of lamp used, distance of light from infant, whether used in combination with an isolette or an open bassinet, and any side effects. ✔ NURSING PRIORITY: If a face mask is used to cover genitalia, remove the metal nose strip to prevent burning the infant. If a fiberoptic blanket is used, infant’s eyes do not need to be covered; B. If a fiberoptic blanket is used, should have a cover- ing pad between the infant’s skin and the fiberoptic blanket; with this method, the infant may remain in the room with the mother.

HIGH-RISK NEWBORN

Gestational Age Variation

Data Collection

A. Respiratory parameters.

  1. Observe respiratory rate, rhythm, and depth. a. Initially, rate increases without a change in rhythm. b. Flaring of nares and expiratory grunting are early signs of respiratory distress.
  2. Increase in apical pulse rate.
  1. Weak or absent sucking and swallowing reflexes.
  2. Necessity of high caloric content with a very small stomach capacity.
  3. Poor gag reflex, leading to aspiration.
  4. Increased incidence of vomiting and development of abdominal distention.
  5. Inability to absorb essential nutrients.
  6. Excessive loss of water through evaporation from the skin and respiratory tract. v Goal: To maintain warmth and temperature control (see maintaining temperature of normal newborn). A. Oxygen and air should be warmed and humidified. B. Maintain abdominal skin temperature at 36.1° to 36.7° C (97° to 98° F); axillary temperature 36.5° C (97.8° F). C. Monitor infant’s temperature continuously; make sure that temperature probe is set on control panel, probe is in contact with infant’s skin, and all safety precautions are maintained. D. Prevent rapid warming or cooling; warming process is increased gradually over a period of 2 to 4 hours. E. Infant may need extra clothing or need to be wrapped in an extra blanket for additional warmth. insert catheter into mouth and down the esophagus into the stomach. d. Test for placement of the tube by aspirating stomach contents or injecting 0.5 to 1.0 mL of air for the premature infant (up to 5 mL for larger infants) and auscultating the abdomen for the sound. e. Before infusing a feeding by gravity into stomach, check for residual; this is done by aspi- rating and measuring amount left in stomach from previous feeding; often, the residual amount is subtracted from the current feeding so that overfeeding does not occur. f. If feeding is not continuous, remove tubing by pinching or clamping it and withdrawing it rapidly. g. Burp infant after feeding by turning head or po- sitioning him or her on the right side. D. Hyperalimentation (total parenteral nutrition) may be ordered to provide complete nutrition through an indwelling catheter threaded into the vena cava. E. Detect complications that arise with feeding the pre- term infant as a result of:

TABLE 21-2 DISORDERS ACQUIRED DURING AND AFTER BIRTH

Trauma Peripheral Nerve Injuries Neonatal Sepsis Assessment Nursing Interventions Soft tissue injury. Caput succedaneum. Cephalhematoma. Injury to bone: Fractured clavicle is the most common; often occurs with a large-sized infant.

  1. Place affected arm against chest wall with hand lying across chest.
  2. Position is held by a figure- stockinette around the arm and chest.
  3. Pick infant up carefully; shoulder should not be pressed toward middle of body.
  4. Affected side should not be placed in gown or undershirt. Temporary paralysis of the facial nerve is the most common. Affected side of the face is smooth. Eye may stay open. Mouth droops at the corner. Forehead cannot be wrinkled. Possible difficulty sucking. Brachial palsy: a partial or complete paralysis of the nerve fibers of the brachial plexus. Cannot elevate or abduct the arm. Abnormal arm position or diminished arm movements. Facial nerve palsy: 1. Apply eye patch; may use artificial tears to prevent corneal irritation. 2. Provide support during feeding; infant may not latch on to nipple well. Brachial nerve palsy 1. Keep arm abducted and externally rotated with elbow flexed. 2. Arm is raised to shoulder height, and elbow is flexed 90 degrees. Apathy, lethargy, low-grade temperature. Poor feeding, abdominal disten- tion, diarrhea. Cyanosis, irregular respirations, apnea. Hyperbilirubinemia. Infant often described as “not acting right” CBC, chest x-ray film, and viral studies TORCH blood screening. 1. Prenatal prevention, maternal screening for STDs, and assessment of rubella titers. 2. Maintenance of sterile technique. 3. Prophylactic antibiotic treatment. 4. Possible cesarean delivery for mother with genital herpes. CBC , Complete blood count; TORCH , toxoplasmosis, other (congenital syphilis and viruses) rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes virus.

Respiratory Distress

✽ Hyaline membrane disease (HMD), also referred to as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), occurs as a result of the deficiency of surfactant that lines the alveoli. ✽ Meconium aspiration syndrome occurs when the fetus passes meconium in utero and aspirates the meconium into the lungs, which leads to obstruction in the small airway passages.

Data Collection

A. Tachypnea: more than 60 breaths/min. B. Apneic spells (in excess of 15 seconds). C. Abnormal breath sounds: rales and rhonchi. D. Chest retraction. E. Chin tug: noticed on inspiration; mouth open, lips apart. F. Flaring of the nares. G. Expiratory grunting. H. Meconium aspiration - meconium stained amniotic fluid. ✔ NURSING PRIORITY: Grunting is an ominous sign and indicates impending need for respiratory assistance; most often, mucus needs to be cleared from airway.

Complications

A. Hypoxia, acidosis caused by alveolar hypoventilation. B. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia: chronic stiff, noncompli- ant lungs.

Treatment

A. Respiratory distress syndrome.

  1. CPAP is the primary treatment.
  2. Administration of surfactant through the airway into the infant’s lungs. B. Meconium aspiration.
  3. Administration of oxygen with humidification.
  4. Postural drainage and percussion; antibiotic therapy.
  5. Acid-base imbalance correction, if needed.

Nursing Intervention

v Goal: To promote oxygenation and respiratory func- tioning. A. Administer a steroid (betamethasone) to mother at least 48 hours before delivery and administer surfactant to neonate after delivery to stimulate surfactant production. B. Refer to nursing intervention for the high-risk newborn.

Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate

✽ Cleft lip is a fissure or split in the upper lip, which may vary from a slight notch to a complete separation extending into the nostril; may be unilateral or bilateral. ✽ Cleft palate is a fissure or a split in the roof of the mouth (palate).

Data Collection

A. Visible at birth on an incompletely formed lip. B. Sucking difficulties and breathing problems with cleft palate. C. Increased incidence of upper respiratory tract infection and otitis media. D. Later problems related to speech and hearing difficul- ties with cleft palate.

Treatment

A. Surgical: closure of lip defect usually precedes treat- ment for a cleft palate (which is done in stages). B. Long-term care management: speech therapy, orthodon- tics; frequent occurrences of otitis media.

Nursing Intervention

v Goal: To provide preoperative care. A. Maintain nutrition.

  1. Use a large-holed nipple or a modified nipple to in crease infant’s ability to obtain milk without sucking.
  2. Feed slowly.
  3. Bubble and burp frequently (after every 15 to 30 mL).
  4. Rinse cleft with water after each feeding to help prevent infection.
  5. Do not place infant on pillow, elevate head of bed, or put the pillow under the mattress. B. Prepare parents for newborn’s surgery.
  6. Encourage parents to position infant flat on back or on side to accustom infant to the postoperative positioning.
  7. Encourage parents to place infant in arm restraints periodically before hospital admission, so they become familiar with restriction of arm motion after surgery.
  8. Encourage parents to feed infant with the same method that will be used after surgery. v Goal: To provide postoperative care. A. Prevent trauma to suture line.
  9. Position infant on back or side and elevate head (in- fant seat).
  10. Restrain arms with soft elbow restraints.
  11. Cleanse suture line gently after each feeding; use cotton-tipped applicator with prescribed solution and roll along the suture line; may apply antibiotic ointment.

Treatment

A. Surgical: closure of defect with 24 to 48 hours to de- crease risk of infection, relieve pressure, repair sac, and possibly insert a shunt.

Nursing Intervention

✔ NURSING PRIORITY: Correct positioning of the infant is critical in preventing damage to the sac, as well as in providing nursing care after surgery. v Goal: To provide preoperative care. A. Prevent and protect sac from drying, rupturing, and infection.

  1. Position infant prone on abdomen.
  2. Avoid touching sac.
  3. Provide meticulous skin care after voiding and bowel movements.
  4. Often, sterile, normal saline soaks on a nonadherent dressing may be used to prevent drying. B. Detect early development of hydrocephalus.
  5. Measure head and check circumference frequently.
  6. Check fontanels for bulging and separation of su- ture line. C. Monitor elimination function.
  7. Note whether urine is dripping or is retained.
  8. Indwelling catheter may be inserted, intermittent catheterization may be done, or credé method may be used at regular intervals.
  9. Assess for bowel function: Glycerin suppository may be ordered to stimulate meconium passage. v Goal: To provide postoperative care. A. Prevent trauma and infection at the surgical site.
  10. Place infant in same position (prone on abdomen) as before surgery.
  11. Continue to provide scrupulous skin care as de- scribed under preoperative goals. B. Assess neurological status frequently for indications of increasing intracranial pressure, development of hydrocephalus, or early signs of infection.
  12. Continue to measure head circumference daily.
  13. Perform frequent neurological checks. C. Provide parents with education in regard to positioning, feeding, skin care, elimination procedures, and range of motion exercises.
  14. Encourage and facilitate parental bonding.
  15. Refer to community and social agencies for finan- cial and social support.
  16. Encourage long-range planning and support of par- ents for long-term rehabilitation of infant.

Neonatal Sepsis

✽ An infection in the neonate can be caused by maternal antepartal or intrapartal infection.

Data Collection

A. Apathy, lethargy, poor temperature control. B. Poor feeding, abdominal distention, diarrhea. C. Cyanosis, irregular respirations, apnea. D. Infant often described as “not acting right”; may be irritable

Nursing Intervention

v Goal: To prevent neonatal sepsis by prenatal prevention; maternal screening for sexually transmitted diseases and as- sessment of rubella titers. A. TORCH (toxoplasmosis, other [congenital syphilis and viruses], rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus) syndrome is discussed as it relates to the infant and adult in Chapter 17.

Isoimmune Hemolytic Disease

of the Newborn

✽ An antigen-antibody response causing destruction of fetal RBCs as a result of maternal sensitization of fetal RBC antigens and subsequent transfer of the resulting antibodies to the fetus.

Data Collection

A. Clinical manifestations: ABO incompatibility.

  1. Jaundice occurs in a cephalocaudal direction: It begins at the face, advances downward on the body to trunk and extremities, and finally to the palms and the soles of the feet. ✔ NURSING PRIORITY: Press skin against a bony prominence (e.g., chin, nose) to detect early color change.
  2. Anemia. B. Diagnostics.
  3. Prenatal screening and prevention: Rh incompati- bility. a. Administration of Rho(D) immune globulin to prevent Rh sensitization in first pregnancy of Rh-negative mother (see prenatal care). b. Indirect Coombs’ test: performed on the mother’s serum. c. Postdelivery detection (Rh incompatibility): direct Coombs’ test on cord blood d. Rho(D) immune globulin is administered within 72 hours of an Rh-negative mother’s delivery of an Rh-positive infant.

Nursing Intervention

v Goal: To recognize jaundice and distinguish the physi- ological type (which occurs within 48 to 72 hours) from the pathological type (which occurs within 24 hours).

A. Prenatal monitoring of maternal-fetal status. B. Identify high-risk mother. C. Monitor bilirubin levels in the newborn.

Infant of a Diabetic Mother

Data Collection

A. Clinical manifestations

  1. Puffy, cushingoid appearance, with round cheeks and stocky neck.
  2. Enlarged heart, liver, and spleen.
  3. Rapid, irregular respirations.
  4. Increased Moro reflex and irritability on slight stimulation or lethargy at times. B. Common complications.
  5. Hypoglycemia: blood glucose level of below 36 mg/ dl within 1½ to 4 hours after birth. a. Lethargy, irritability, hypocalcemia. b. High-pitched cry. c. Twitching, jitteriness, seizures. d. Apneic spells and abdominal distention.
  6. Respiratory distress syndrome.
  7. Polycythemia.
  8. Birth trauma caused by excessive size.
  9. Congenital defects, specifically cardiac (patent duc- tus arteriosus is most common) and central nervous system defects (anencephaly, myelomeningocele, and hydrocephalus). ✔ NURSING PRIORITY: Prolonged hypoglycemia can cause irreversible brain damage.

Nursing Intervention

v Goal: To monitor glucose levels. A. Frequently check blood glucose levels. B. Minimize trauma to heel site by performing heel stick correctly.

  1. Warm heel for 5 to 10 minutes before sticking.
  2. Cleanse site with alcohol and dry before sticking.
  3. The lateral heel is the site of choice.
  4. What equipment should the nurse have available imme- diately after birth to assist the infant with the initial respiratory effort? 1 Stethoscope and suction catheter. 2 Heated crib and a stocking cap. 3 Bulb syringe and oxygen. 4 Oxygen and stethoscope.
  5. The nurse is assessing a newborn for the presence of a caput succedaneum. What findings would confirm the presence of this condition? 1 Swelling confined to the parietal areas of the skull. 2 Diffuse edema under the scalp. 3 A collection of blood under the scalp. 4 Petechial hemorrhages in the conjunctivae.
  6. What signs would a nurse observe in a newborn with respiratory distress? 1 Flaring of the nares, grunting, and chest wall retrac- tions. 2 Lusty crying, heaving chest wall, and flailing arms. 3 Respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute, pulse rate of 166 beats per minute, and sneezing. 4 Uncontrolled crying, acrocyanosis, and respiratory rate of 60 breaths per minute.
  7. The nurse is assessing the newborn. What nursing as- sessment data would cause the most concern? 1 Has loud crying with periods of light sleep. 2 Has a blood glucose level of 75 mg/dl. 3 Turns dusky and cyanotic when crying. 4 Acrocyanosis is present 4 hours after birth.
  8. The newborn is given vitamin K soon after birth. What is the purpose of this medication? 1 Is used as a prophylactic measure because the new born does not have an immediate supply. 2 Assists with building iron stores in the blood of the newborn. 3 Helps to stabilize the electrolytes in the newborn’s system. 4 Prevents jaundice by breaking down the newborn’s bilirubin.
  9. To meet the goal of promoting infant feeding in a breastfed baby, the nurse should teach the mother to: Select all that apply: _____ 1 Feed the baby on a 3- to 4-hour schedule. _____ 2 Alternate breast and formula for each feeding. _____ 3 Stop breast-feeding if her nipples get sore. _____ 4 Maintain demand breast-feeding for the first 4 weeks. _____ 5 Drink lots of fluids and get adequate rest. _____ 6 Offer a pacifier between feedings to meet sucking needs.
  10. What is a characteristic finding when performing a nursing assessment on a newborn with hypoglycemia? 1 Acrocyanosis. 2 Respirations of 50 breaths per minute. 3 Increased irritability. 4 Decreased pulse rate.
  11. What nursing measures are important to decrease the loss of body heat in a newborn? 1 Keep the infant bundled with a stocking cap on the head. 2 Regulate the room temperature between 68˚ F and 70˚ F.

Study Questions: Newborn