preemies Flashcards
when is it considered a preterm birth
before 37 weeks of gestation
*extremely preterm before 28 weeks
when is it considered a term birth
between 37 and 42 weeks gestation
when is it considered a post term birth
a birth that occurs after 42 completed weeks of gestation
risk factors for child death
pre-term delivery
low birth weight
maternal age
smoking
complication during delivery
higher risk of death for twins/multiple pregnancies
abnormally shaped uterus
T/F women living in the most deprived areas are 30% higher risk of stillbirths and neonatal death compared to women living in least deprived
F - the statistic is that they are 80% higher risk
why do preemies need so much more support
smaller > get cold faster, have fewer reserves
fragile lungs > cannot adapt to air breathing
pulse oximetry > titration of oxygen
why do preemies need so much more support
smaller > get cold faster, have fewer reserves
fragile lungs > cannot adapt to air breathing
pulse oximetry > titration of oxygen
how to manage a preemie
-delayed cord cutting
-keep warm using a plastic bag under radiant heater
-gentle lung inflation PEEP important
-inital O2 conc.
-use saturation monitor careful use of oxygen
what are the common problems of prematurity
temperature control
feeding/nutrition
sepsis
system immaturity/dysfunction
metabolic syndromes
why is thermal regulation in babies ineffective
low BMR
minimal muscular activity
subcutaneous fat insulation is negligible
high ratio of surface area to body mass
*hypothemia is a killer
why do preemies have increased risk of nutritional compromise
limited nutrient reserves
gut immaturity
immature metabolic pathways
increased nutrient demands
organisms that caused early onset neonatal sepsis
Gp B Strept
Gram negatives
organisms that cause late onset neonatal sepsis
coagulase negative staphylococci
gram negatives
staph aureus
why are preemies more likely to develop late onset sepsis
immature immune system
intensive care environment
indwelling tubes and lines
mx of neonatal sepsis
prevention
hand washing
super vigilant and infection screening
judicious use of abx
supportive measures
