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Alt Text: A medical nurse examining an infant with a parental guardian nearby.
Nurses are well-versed in addressing the need for neonatal intensive care. They have the needed knowledge and skills to ensure the comfort of sick newborns. These skills are crucial when providing specialized medical attention. In this article, it explores the importance of care and highlights the vital role of specialized nurses within this setting.
The Neonatal Intensive Care Way
There are different ways medical professionals conduct critical assessments for newborns, like the Apgar scoring. This assessment checks the baby’s heart rate, breathing effort, muscle tone, and more. These tests determine if they need neonatal intensive care or not. According to the National Institution of Health, approximately 10 to 15 percent of all newborns need this care due to health complications, such as:
- Prematurity: Conditions where babies are born before 37 weeks of expected gestation. This also increases their risk of health issues.
- Low Birth Weight: Recognition for infants weighing less than 5.5 lbs. (2.3 kg). With that said, about 7.6% of all newborns are considered “underweight” when born.
- Health Conditions: This refers to newborns who develop respiratory distress, infections, heart problems, or congenital anomalies. Every newborn with the specified conditions often requires specialized care.
The environment and practices under this intensive care can sometimes be overwhelming or stressful to parents. However, they can easily navigate these circumstances with the right medical guidance.
What Neonatal Care Focuses On
Intense neonatal care dedicates time and effort to caring for very sick newborns. The nurses responsible for these children are responsible for various tasks for different complications. These nursing care specialties include, but are not limited to:
- Neonatal feeding and growth
- TPN, NG, G, G-J feedings
- Tracheostomy
- Ventilator-dependence
- Unstable airway
- Peritoneal dialysis
- Seizure management
- Central lines
Moreover, neonatal care is not only provided in hospitals. Multiple healthcare providers offer pediatric care for patients from hospice to home.
What to Expect in Intensive Neonatal Care
For first-time parents or for those who are having a newborn under intensive neonatal care, it may be overwhelming. The sights alone might be daunting after healthcare professionals examine your baby and determine they need extra care than usual.
Here, parents or caregivers can expect to see different machines to help the newborn baby. These may involve breathing machines, other contraptions to give them regular fluids and medicines, heart monitors, and more.
While these can be many, it’s important to remember that they were set in place for good reasons. These include monitoring the baby’s health and functioning and aiming to improve their quality of life.
Consequences of Missing Neonatal Care
The absence of neonatal intensive care for sick newborns can lead to severe complications. These could hinder their development and increase other health risks. A few possible problems that may arise include:
- Increased Mortality Rates: Especially those born with low birth weight or preterm. Approximately 15% of all newborns are low birth weight, accounting for 70% of neonatal deaths globally.
- Developmental Issues: These include growth-related and neurodevelopmental problems. These complications can affect children's cognitive and physical development, leading to lifelong disabilities.
- Infections And Other Serious Health Conditions: If left untreated, this can lead to other severe complications or death.
Newborns must undergo significant physiological changes after birth, such as starting to breathe air and regulating their body functions. The first few days of a baby are critical for their growth and development. So, it is important to acknowledge any medical concerns that professionals address. Following through on the treatment plan given out by these experts is also vital.
The Impact of Neonatal Intensive Care on Newborn Outcomes
This type of special care has a huge impact on neonatal patients. Advancements in this field of care have significantly improved survival rates. According to the Newborn Health by the World Health Organization, infants are at the highest risk of passing for the first twenty-eight days. However, survival rates vary depending on gestational age and the presence of complications.
Nurses under this intensive care focus on the special management and recovery of medically fragile infants. They are vigilant and available when it comes to monitoring and supporting patients. They cover specific responsibilities, such as:
- They regularly monitor their patient's heart and respiratory rates with advanced monitoring equipment, which ensures efficient management of respiratory distress in infants.
- Administering medications and treatments to infants. An example of this includes phototherapy for respiratory support.
- They provide emotional support for families, help parents understand the need for intensive care, and provide information, reassurance, and pediatric home care tips for infants.
- Assess an individual’s condition, health, and functional status. They work well with other experts on the healthcare team to develop and implement comprehensive care plans for each infant.
Furthermore, nurses implement strategies to minimize stimuli to support neurodevelopment. They also strictly adhere to hand hygiene and aseptic techniques to prevent hospital-acquired infections from affecting infants. Additionally, they utilize pain assessment tools to minimize pain and stress associated with procedures.
Their dedication goes beyond the clinical aspects of care; they advocate for the infants and their families. This helps bridge the gap between medical needs and emotional support. With proper approach and planning, the specialized care provided by nurses has significantly improved the health outcomes for premature and critically ill newborns.
Look for a Nurse to Take Care of Your Infant Today
Having nurses who are trained in neonatal intensive care is critical for newborns facing severe health challenges. They administer critical care that focuses on the baby’s comfort and improves their quality of life. Technological advancements and medical practices have significantly improved survival rates for infants with health complications.
Partner up with Nursing Evolutions for high-quality medical care for your infant. Our team focuses intensive neonatal care efforts on your child’s comfort. Our compassionate team of professionals ensures that your transition from hospice to home is seamless.
We meticulously approach patient care, assessing each individual’s condition, health, and functional status. For more information, contact us today for inquiries, we’re eager to help you and your little one.