...Commentary 1: Discuss the use of an assessment tool when caring for a child and their family In the following commentary I am going to reflect upon what I have learned about conducting the new born baby assessment regularly carried out on the neonatal unit. To write about the new born baby assessment it is important to understand what assessments are, why assessments are important and how this particular assessment is an essential part of nursing. “Assessment forms the first part of any nursing activity and is the first step in the nursing process. Without a comprehensive assessment of the child and family’s needs, care cannot be planned, delivered or evaluated effectively.” (Great Ormond Street Hospital 2012). Examination of a new born infant allows nurses to assess and monitor a new born baby’s condition and promptly identify any abnormalities in order to treat and give appropriate care as early as possible. It is an important part of overall care contributing to the baby’s wellbeing and survival (NNF Teaching Aids: Newborn Care 2010). Over the time I have spent so far on the neonatal unit I have learned about the physical assessment of new born babies and observed the trained staff carrying out these assessments day to day. The assessment of a new born infant involves the checking of several aspects of the baby’s anatomy; the Brain (the control centre for all organs), the Heart (pumps the 80mls of blood around the baby’s body), the Lungs (provides o2 for the body’s...
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...Postpartum Case Study May 26, 2016 Postpartum Case Study Admission Assessment J.B. a 38-year-old female, G5, P3 (SAB 2, L3) admitted on 5/09/16 at 0930 for a scheduled repeat cesarean section. The patient’s chief complaint is minor contractions and concern from previous SAB (Spontaneous Abortions). J.B’s 1st pregnancy ended at 13 weeks with a SAB. 2nd pregnancy ended by C-section at 37 weeks due fetal intolerance. Her 3rd pregnancy ended at 38 weeks with a repeat C-section and her 4th pregnancy ended at 11 weeks with a SAB. Bringing us to this pregnancy number 5. J.B. chose to have a repeat C-section, because her physician recommended it due to a prior C-section. Multiple scars on uterus increase the risk for several serious problems for women and fetus. These risks include: scar rupture, placenta previa, placental abruption, and placenta accrete (Tobah, 2015). A high-risk pregnancy involves at least one of the following; the woman or baby is more likely to become ill or die more than usual. Complications before or after delivery are more likely to occur than usual. High-risk pregnancies must be closely monitored. Some risk factors are present before women become pregnant. These risk factors include certain physical and social characteristics of women, problems that have occurred in previous pregnancies, and certain disorders women already have. In J.B.’s case she had a high-risk pregnancy due to several reasons, she has advanced maternal age > 35, prior miscarriages...
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...It is very important that parents and the rest of the stakeholders understand the meaning and benefits of SSC. Identifying the symptoms of newborns distress due to hypothermia is vital. Newborns cannot speak; they will only show signs and symptoms if distressed. Nurses can identify hypothermia in newborns by assessment. The nurses must be educated and must educate other staffs in order to prevent negative consequences to occur during delivery. Family. The family also needs to be educated in the negative and positive effects of SSC. They can demonstrate SSC and will be able to recognize if newborns are cold. The father can be an option in proving SSC in newborns when the mother is not available to do so. When SSC is conducted with the father figure of the newborn, it was found that there is less newborn crying when they are placed skin to skin (Erlandsson, Dsilna, Fagerberg, & Christenson, 2007). The World Health Organization recommended maintaining SSC especially in the first 24 hours after birth. The family can be provided with brochures, flyers, websites, facility telephones number, and doctor phone number for questions and additional information to refer to when...
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...Domestic Violence Nursing March,05, 2012 Abstract Domestic violence is steadily becoming one of the most major menaces to women's health. Domestic abuse during pregnancy is a serious issue which affects not just the mother, but the unborn child as well. Domestic violence occurs across all racial and ethnic groups, affecting females who are most frequently the victims. Women with unintended or unwanted pregnancies are at a higher risk for experiencing physical abuse than women with planned pregnancies. Domestic violence does not discriminate across the lines of nationality, culture, gender or race. An alarming fact is that in the United States domestic abuse has been found to be the single most common precursor to children's death (Lomas & Fowler, 2010). Keywords: domestic violence, pregnancy, abuse, battery, assault Domestic Violence Introduction Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive, coercive, and threatening behavior that may include emotional, physical, sexual violence, isolation, economic, and coercion as well as intimidation (Newacheck & Halfon, 2007). It occurs in both heterosexual and homosexual relationships. Domestic violence especially violence against pregnant women, is still a shamed subject despite the fact that it is a severe public health issue that threatens both the unborn child and the mother's outcome. Women who are assaulted while pregnant are at a greater risk for putting off health care needs. Domestic violence allows the...
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...Assessing the newborn in the first 5 minute of life is very important to prevent any complication. Apgar scale is widely used when assessing the newborn. This scale evaluates the infant heart rate, refluxes, respiratory rate, and body color and muscle tones. I think this scale is very important to use because it gives us a sign if there is a development issue with the newborn. The health care providers including nurses, doctors, nurse practitioner and midwives, uses the Apgar scale on the first minute and 5 minutes after the delivery, for example an Apgar scale 3 mean the baby is very sick and may die. In addition to this scale if the newborn has low Apgar scale, then the use of the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale is necessary...
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...Improvement in Health Assessment Erin Graham West Texas A&M September 14, 2012 Improvement in Health Assessment A nurse’s role in health assessment has multiple parts to make it complete. An evaluation of a person’s health status consists of obtaining a full health history as well as a physical examination. The nurse must incorporate the use of inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation when performing a health assessment, all which are skills learned throughout the nursing education we obtained. However, we all need to improve on certain things in our practice. After reading the assigned chapters for this week and evaluating myself as a nurse, two keys things stood out in my practice that could use some improvement. The way I listen to my patients is the first item of improvement. I have always felt confident in the way I approach someone and the way I react when I am approached about the health issues of my patients, but as I think back to the many experiences I have had as a nurse, I recognize that the way I listen to some of them is not done to the best of my ability. I have many times found myself jumping into the conversation before I have heard everything that needs to be said by the patient, therefore leading to my own back tracking of given information. I need to improve the way I listen, by first, hearing the whole topic of concern or question and then proceeding to give my help through my response. The area of nursing I work in comes...
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...use of music for medicinal purposes began thousands of years ago. Thesis Statement: Music therapy is currently used to treat three types of ailments. Body Physical ailments are among the first of the three to be treated through the use of music therapy. Cancer patients have benefited from its use. It helps with nausea and vomiting. It also helps with pain control. Music therapy is also very effective on heart patients. It decreases heart rate. It decreases high blood pressure. (Now that we have seen the positive impact that music therapy has on physical ailments, we will next see how other ailments benefit.) The second of the three ailments to be treated through the use of music therapy are emotional. Music therapy can change the mood of a person. Music therapy can also motivate an individual. (There is one more ailment left to discuss.) The last of the three ailments to be treated through the use of music therapy are psychological. Music therapy is also used in the treatment of mentally ill patients. Depression has been known to benefit from this. Autistic children have also benefited through the use of music therapy intervention. Music therapy is also used effectively with newborns. Premature newborns experience increased weight gain. It can affect the growth and development of newborns. Conclusion There are many ways in which Music Therapy can help to heal. I hope that you have learned some of those different ways. Sources “Music Therapy.” American...
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...T D Module 4 Assignment: Understanding Childbirth and Newborn Development 1. Describe the stages of childbirth and the outcome of each. There are three stages of childbirth; the dilation and effacement of the cervix, the delivery of the baby, and the delivery of the placenta. During the first stage called the dilation and effacement of the cervix, the woman experiences contractions of her uterus which in return causes her cervix to widen and prepare to receive the baby. In addition, the mother experiences a brief process called transition where the contractions are at the highest level. This entire stage can last between 12 to 14 hours if it is the women’s first child or 4 to 6 hours if she has had multiple births. The second stage of childbirth also known as the delivery of the baby can last between 20 to 50 minutes depending on the woman. Within the second stage the level of contractions continue to increase and the mother feels a natural impulse to squeeze and push using her stomach muscles to force the baby down and out the birth canal. The last stage of childbirth is when the mother feels the final contraction which in return forces the placenta to detach from the walls of the uterus and out the body. This third and final stage of childbirth can last between five and 10 minutes. 2. Compare and contrast the medical interventions for childbirth. During childbirth medical professionals tend to use medical interventions in order to safely deliver the baby...
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...where we came from and our historical roots. The Heritage Assessment Tool is designed to “give nurses an understanding of the patient’s traditional health and illness beliefs and practices so that culturally appropriate interventions can be initiated. The tool is a series of twenty nine questions. These twenty nine questions are designed to determine a patient’s ethnic, cultural, and religious background,” (Flowers, D.L., 2005). The Heritage Assessment Tool (HAT) , is a check list used by professionals to gain knowledge of patients culture and beliefs prior to initiating care (Spector 2000). In combination with questions that relate to health beliefs and practices the HAT assessment includes events in their childhood, which contribute to the values, and beliefs in adulthood (Spector, 1989). NursesThe Heritage Assessment Tool is a worksheet operated by people in the medical field in order to recognize the standpoint of a patient in respect to culture and beliefs. It’s an accurate method in which the medical professional comprehends the patients prior to beginning any interventions. Ultimately the objective is to diminish disease and ease anguish in the most effectual way that is feasible, it is wise for the licensed practitioner to recognize the utmost comfy actions for the client. (Edelman & Mandle, 2010) The heritage assessment tool aids medical professionals in evaluating somebody's mental, physical and spiritual principles, which in return aids in clarifying...
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...Clinical Learning Packet – Newborn Assessment Newborn Client Initials: JS_____ Gender: M/F Date/Time of Delivery: 02/08/2013 1956_ Type of Delivery: SVD C/S IFD Vac Gestational Age by Dates:_40wks (as stated by primary nurse I could not find in chart)________ Age at Time of Assessments (hours): _13_______ APGARS: __8____ @ 1 min. ___9___ @5 min. Blood Type/Rh: Newborn (not taken per agency protocol)_______ Maternal _B+________ Blood Glucose: Reason___________________Frequency__________Last Results:______ Newborn Weight: @ birth 3.28kg__________ Current 3.26kg_________ % Weight loss:0.61%______ Length:_21in______ HC:_13.5in______ CC:_13in_____ Feeding: Breast: _x_____Formula (type): ________________ Feeding Frequency/Amount/Time:_On demand usually every two hours_ Vitamin K (date):_ 02/08/2013 ____________ Erythromycin eye ointment (date): 02/08/2013 ______________ Hepatitis B (date):_02/09/2013_____________________ Circumcision (date):_02/09/2013__________ Metabolic Screen Due:________ completed_________Hearing Screening: Pass /Fail /Reassess Comments: _Clients Bilirubin score was 3.2 at 3hrs after birth. The physician asked for it to be watched. We assessed the bilirubin score again at 14hrs after birth and received a 5.2. The bilirubin will be assessed again at 18 hours after birth and the physician will decide on a course of action at that time per agency protocol. The baby is in the High intermediate group right now although...
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...CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION A. Background of the study According to Jordan, childbearing is universally treated as a life crisis event. In most societies birth and the immediate post partum period are considered a time of vulnerability for mother and child. It is a time of ritual danger for the entire family. Most societies tend to have certain sets of practices and beliefs in childbirth. Practices and beliefs of each society have common goals namely, the maintenance of well-being and preservation of life of a new mother and her newborn. Confinement is the period after the birth and is perceived as a critical condition for a mother. At this period, women are considered to be in a weakened state due to the loss of blood during the delivery of the baby. Because a woman is weak, she is susceptible to all sorts of all illnesses and diseases. Therefore, there are a number of cultural practices which must be observed in order to gain strength and to avoid illness.[i] The puerperium is a time of great change which spans a period of transition from the pinnacle of experience of birth to the assumption of the joys and responsibilities of family life. Well-integrated post-natal care has an important role to play in assisting this transition and launching the family in their new life together. The puerperium is a period of 6 weeks which begins as soon as the placenta has been expelled. During this time a number of physiological and psychological changes take place: ...
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...chapters. Birth defects can be defined as structural or functional abnormalities, including metabolic disorders, which are present from birth. The term congenital disorder is considered to have the same definition; the two terms are used interchangeably.2 The eleventh revision of the classification provides an opportunity for a review of the current entry. 3. Irrespective of definition, birth defects can cause spontaneous abortions and stillbirths and are a significant but underrecognized cause of mortality and disability among infants and children under five years of age. They can be life-threatening, result in long-term disability, and negatively affect individuals, families, health-care systems and societies. BIRTH DEFECTS AND GLOBAL NEWBORN AND CHILD MORTALITY 4. Congenital disorders are a common condition. WHO estimates that some 260 000 deaths worldwide (about 7% of all neonatal deaths) were caused by congenital anomalies in 2004.3 They are most prominent as a cause of death in settings where overall...
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...Pain Assessment and Management G u i d e l i n e f o r Marlene Walden, PhD RNC NNP CCNS Sharyn Gibbins, PhD RN NNP P r a c t i c e , 2 n d E d i t i o n Pain Assessment and Management Guideline for Practice, 2nd Edition This guideline is an outline of the pain assessment and management practices that currently are accepted and documented by experts in the field of neonatal care. In addition, it summarizes and recommends pain assessment and management practices based on the best evidence for the nursing care of infants. This guideline does not preclude the use of manufacturers’ recommendations or other acceptable methods of assessing and managing pain in infants. The use of other practices known to improve the quality of neonatal care is encouraged and not restricted by this document. The National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) developed this guideline in response to members’ requests. Broad in scope, it can provide a foundation for specific nursing protocols, policies, and procedures developed by individual institutions. Authors Marlene Walden, PhD RNC NNP CCNS Sharyn Gibbins, PhD RN NNP Reviewers Daniel Batton, MD, American Academy of Pediatrics Sandra Sundquist Beauman, MSN RNC Jim Couto, MA, American Academy of Pediatrics Mary Ann Gibbons, BSN RN Melinda Porter, RNC CNS NNP Ann Stark, MD FAAP, Chair of AAP Committee on Fetus and Newborn Carol Wallman, RNC NNP MS, NANN/AWHONN Liaison to AAP Committee on Fetus and...
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...DOH Breastfeeding TSEK Program 2011 – PRECEDE-PROCEED Analysis Introduction and Program Rationale The protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding rank among the most effective interventions to improve child’s survival. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that high coverage of optimal breastfeeding practices could avert 13% of the 10.6 million yearly deaths of children five years old and below. Everyday, as many as 4,000 infants and young children die worldwide because they are not breastfed. According to United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), it is because their mothers are not empowered with adequate knowledge about breast-feeding and do not receive enough motivation and support (UNICEF, 1994). Babies, their mothers, their families, their community, their environment, even the economy of the country in which they live, all benefit from breast-feeding (ibid). Realizing the great advantages of breast-feeding and the changing patterns of breast-feeding practice worldwide, the World Health Organization, 1981, recommended that all infants should be “exclusively breastfed for 4 to 6 months of age”(Kaunang, 1999). Moreover, UNICEF(1994) has advocated breast-feeding as one of the strategies for “ Child Survival” and exclusive breast-feeding as a best protective way for infants against infection and malnutrition. Nowadays, promotion of breast-feeding through Family Planning and MCH Programs is increasingly considered to be a public...
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...Series Alma-Ata: Rebirth and Revision 7 Integrating health interventions for women, newborn babies, and children: a framework for action Björn Ekman, Indra Pathmanathan, Jerker Liljestrand Lancet 2008; 372: 990–1000 See Editorial page 863 This is the seventh in a Series of eight papers about Alma-Ata: rebirth and revision Lund University, Lund Sweden (B Ekman PhD); Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (I Pathmanathan PhD); Ystad, Sweden (J Liljestrand PhD) Correspondence to: Dr Jerker Liljestrand, Götgången 12 27144 YSTAD, Sweden jerker@ystad.nu For women and children, especially those who are poor and disadvantaged, to benefit from primary health care, they need to access and use cost-effective interventions for maternal, newborn, and child health. The challenge facing weak health systems is how to deliver such packages. Experiences from countries such as Iran, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and China, and from projects in countries like Tanzania and India, show that outcomes in maternal, newborn, and child health can be improved through integrated packages of cost-effective health-care interventions that are implemented incrementally in accordance with the capacity of health systems. Such packages should include community-based interventions that act in combination with social protection and intersectoral action in education, infrastructure, and poverty reduction. Interventions need to be planned and implemented at the district level, which requires strengthening of district planning and management...
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