Stabilising Preterm Infants ✅ Flashcards
What needs to be considered in extremely preterm infants?
- Airway
- Breathing
- Circulation
- Monitoring
- Temperature control
- Venous and arterial lines
- Investigations
- Medication
- Parents
What may be required to support airway and breathing in an extremely preterm infant?
- Clearing airway
- Oxygen
- CPAP
- High flow nasal oxygen
- Mechanical ventilation
- Surfactant
What may be required to support circulation in extremely preterm infants?
IV fluids
What needs to monitored in an extremely preterm infant?
- Oxygen saturations
- HR
- BP
- RR
- Temperature (peripheral and central)
- Weight
- Urine output
What oxygen saturations should be aimed for in a preterm infant?
91-95%
How can temperature be controlled in an extremely preterm infant?
- Plastic bag and hat if extremely preterm
- Radiant warmer or incubator
- Humidification
What are the options for IV access in preterm neonates?
- Peripheral IV line
- Umbilical venous catheter
- Central venous line
What can peripheral IV lines be used for in extremely preterm infants?
- IV fluids
- Antibiotics
- Other drugs
What is the use of umbilical venous catheters in extremely preterm infants?
Sometimes used for immediate IV access or giving fluid or medications
What are central venous lines used for in extremely preterm infants?
Parenteral nutrition
When are arterial lines useful in extremely preterm infants?
- If frequent blood gas analysis or blood tests
- Continuous blood pressure monitoring
What is the most frequent site of arterial line in preterm infants?
Umbilical artery catheter
What investigations should be done in a preterm infant?
- FBC
- CRP
- U&E
- Blood glucose
- Blood gases
When should a CXR be done in a preterm infant?
- If respiratory distress
- Check position of tracheal tube and central lines
What medications should be considered in preterm infants?
- Antibiotics
- Analgesia and sedation
- Vitamin K
What is the role of vitamin K in premature infants?
Routinely given as prophylaxis against haemorrhage disease of the newborn
What do you need to do with the parents of a premature neonate?
Find time explain what is happening
What can be useful if parents are unable to be with the baby?
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