Nursing Care of At-Risk High-Risk and Sick Newborns

Flashcards covering topics on the nursing care of at-risk high-risk and sick newborns, including definitions, classifications, treatments, and assessments.

What defines a high-risk neonate?

A newborn, regardless of gestational age or birthweight, with a greater-than-average chance of morbidity or mortality due to abnormal birth circumstances.

What is hyperbilirubinemia?

An excessive level of bilirubin in the blood, characterized by jaundice.

What is necrotizing enterocolitis?

An inflammatory disease of the intestinal tract that primarily occurs in premature infants.

What is the significance of surfactant in newborns?

A substance secreted by type II alveolar cells that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, aiding in lung expansion.

Describe the classification of infants by birth weight.

Includes Low Birthweight (LBW <2500g), Very Low Birthweight (VLBW <1500g), and Extremely Low Birthweight (ELBW <1000g).

What characterizes a low birth weight infant (LBW)?

An infant with a birth weight less than 2500 grams (5.5 pounds) regardless of gestational age.

When is a preterm infant defined as such?

Born before the completion of 37 weeks of gestation.

What is perinatal mortality?

The total number of fetal and early neonatal deaths per 1000 live births.

What does the APGAR score evaluate?

It evaluates appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiratory effort of a newborn.

List some signs of respiratory distress in a newborn.

Signs include tachypnea, retractions, grunting, nasal flaring, and cyanosis.

What are some causes of neonatal sepsis?

Prolonged rupture of membranes, transplacental infection, and inadequate hand hygiene.

What are key treatment steps for managing high-risk newborns?

Initiating and maintaining respirations, establishing extrauterine circulation, and maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance.

What is the primary complication associated with congenital heart defects in newborns?

Congestive heart failure due to inefficient blood flow.

How is jaundice in newborns characterized?

By a yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high levels of bilirubin.

What is the characteristic appearance of a baby with Down syndrome?

Flat face, almond-shaped eyes, short neck, and a single line across the palm.

What is important to monitor in infants with dehydration?

Weight, urine output, skin turgor, and mucous membrane moisture.

What are common causes of abdominal colic in infants?

Rapid feeding, overeating, excessive air swallowing, and emotional stress.

What causes hyaline membrane disease in newborns?

Lack of surfactant in the lungs, resulting in respiratory distress syndrome.

What risk factors are associated with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?

Maternal smoking, co-sleeping, and prone sleeping position.

How can neonatal infections be prevented?

By ensuring proper hygiene, avoiding contact with sick individuals, and hand washing.

What is a critical sign of infant dehydration?

Decreased urine output and dry mucous membranes.