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Normal Newborn: Needs and Care
Objectives
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- The overall goal of newborn nursing care is to provide comprehensive care while promoting the establishment of the new family unit.
- In the period immediately after birth, during which adaptation to extrauterine life occurs, the newborn requires close monitoring to ensure normal transition.
- Nursing goals during the first 4 hours after birth (admission period) are to maintain a clear airway, maintain a neutral thermal environment, initiate oral feedings, facilitate attachment, and prevent hemorrhage and infection.
- The newborn is routinely given prophylactic vitamin K to prevent possible hemorrhagic disease of the newborn.
- Prophylactic eye treatment for Neisseria gonorrhoeae is legally required for all newborns.
- Nursing goals for ongoing newborn care include maintenance of cardiopulmonary function, maintenance of neutral thermal environment and skin integrity, promotion of adequate hydration and nutrition, promotion of safety, enhancement of attachment and family knowledge of child care, and prevention of complications.
- Following a circumcision, the newborn must be observed closely for signs of pain, bleeding, inability to void, and infection.
- Prior to discharge, the nurse provides parent teaching on nasal and oral suctioning, wrapping the newborn, sleep and activity, and safety considerations.
- Newborn screening for cystic fibrosis, galactosemia, homocystinuria, hypothyroidism, maple syrup urine disease, phenylketonuria, and hemoglobinopathies is done on all newborns in the first 1 to 3 days after birth.
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