Introduction Neonates are a specialised cohort of patients requiring an individualised approach in nursing care. Show
AimTo provide safe, comprehensive specialised care of a neonate in the ward environment when it is not clinically necessary for a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission. Definition of Terms
A Registrar or Consultant should assess the neonate and be considered clinically stable and appropriate for ward management prior to the ward accepting care of the neonatal patient. Observations and MonitoringBaseline and ongoing observations should occur as per the Clinical Guideline (Nursing) Observation and Continuous Monitoring and Clinical Guideline (Nursing): Nursing Assessment The Neonate needs to be admitted onto the monitor profile so that alarm limits are specific to age and weight. For Neonatal patient’s particular attention should be placed on the following aspects of assessment: Temperature & Neutral Thermal EnvironmentThe normal temperature of a neonate ranges from < 36.5oC – 37.5oC, temperature should be measured per axilla every 4 hours, unless febrile or hypothermic. Clinical Guideline (Nursing): Temperature Management.
Transfers
Pain
Procedural sedation for Koala ward neonates:
Blood Sugar Level
Please refer: Clinical Guidelines (Nursing): Neonatal Hypoglycaemia Enteral Intake
Please refer: Management of Expressed Breast Milk for Inpatients (RCH Access only) The following table shows suggested feeding volumes by age, however this table is an approximate guide only and requirements will differ according to gestational age and disease process.
Source: National Health and Medical Research Council (2012) Infant Feeding Guidelines. Canberra: National Health and Medical Research Council OutputThe following should be assessed and documented:
General Considerations
Intravenous Fluid Management
* Ordered as 10 per cent dextrose 500 mL and 6.5 mL 20 per cent NaCl and 10 mL 7.5 per cent KCl (giving 22 mmol NaCl and 10 mmol KCl per 500 mL) Source: Neonatal eHandbook - IV Infusions for Special Care Nursery Admissions Considerations if oral or nasogastric feeds are not tolerated or suitable, and IV fluid therapy is initiated. When selecting an appropriate IV fluid the following should be considered:
IV and CVAD access in Neonates
Skin Care
Sleep Maximisation
Parent EngagementIllness and separation causes increased stress and anxiety on the infant and their family, and this has been proven to affect brain development and subsequent neurodevelopmental progress in childhood. Therefore, it is essential that every effort is made to nurture the parent-infant bond by encouraging families to interact with their babies as much as possible, from as early as possible. For more information refer to COCOON. Encourage engagement through:
For more information refer to COCOON Companion Documents
Links
References Cheng, C., Franck, L., Ye, X., Hutchinson, S., Lee, S., & O'Brienon, K. (2021). Evaluating the effect of Family Integrated Care on maternal stress and anxiety in neonatal intensive care units. Journal of Reproductive and Infant
Psychology, 39(2), 166-179. Evidence TableClick here to view the Evidence Table. Please remember to read the disclaimer. The development of this nursing guideline was coordinated by Azzadine Miles, RN, Koala Ward, and approved by the Nursing Clinical Effectiveness Committee. Updated August 2021. What nursing measures can be effective in preventing infections of the newborn?How can I help my baby avoid infections?. Wash your hands thoroughly. Washing your hands often is really important in the fight against infections. ... . Use disposable tissues. ... . Keep your baby's environment clean. ... . Avoid people who are unwell. ... . Go smoke free. ... . Look, don't touch.. How can we prevent infection in neonatal intensive care unit?CDC recommends hand washing before and after contact with every patient for 20 seconds and 40-60 seconds of hand washing before entering the NICU.
Which of the following is the single most important step in prevention of new born infection?Washing hands is still the single most-effective way to prevent infections if done before and after preparing food or eating, caring for a sick person, or treating a cut or wound.
What are the nursing responsibilities for the high risk newborn infant?5-11 What general supportive care is needed by a sick infant?. Maintain adequate respiration and circulation.. Maintain a normal body temperature.. Handle the infant as little as possible.. Provide extra oxygen only if needed.. Observe the infant carefully, paying special attention to the vital signs.. |