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Published on: November 20, 2015
Complications in the transition from fetal to neonatal life
1St Boniface General Hospital, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Debbie_Askin@umanitoba.ca
Insights
The transition from fetus to neonate requires careful nursing assessment to identify and manage infants with congenital abnormalities or disease. Early recognition and intervention are crucial for successful neonatal adaptation.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Physiology
- Perinatal Adaptation
Background:
- The transition from fetal to neonatal life involves complex physiological adjustments.
- Some neonates face additional challenges due to congenital abnormalities, birth injuries, or illness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the physiology of neonatal transition.
- To identify risk factors for neonatal illness during this period.
- To present a care plan for neonates with transition complications.
Main Methods:
- Review of neonatal transition physiology.
- Discussion of risk factors for neonatal disease.
- Presentation of a nursing care plan.
Main Results:
- Neonatal transition is a critical period requiring close monitoring.
- Specific factors increase a neonate's risk of illness.
- A structured care plan aids in managing at-risk neonates.
Conclusions:
- Astute nursing assessment is vital for recognizing and managing neonates with transition issues.
- Prompt intervention based on careful assessment improves outcomes for vulnerable newborns.
Abstract:
The transition from fetus to neonate is a time of significant physiologic adaptation. In addition to the normal physiologic tasks of transition, some neonates must also cope with underlying congenital abnormalities, birth injury, or disease. Careful assessment and astute nursing care are needed during the period of transition to ensure that the neonate who is experiencing problems with transition is recognized and appropriate interventions are initiated. This article examines the physiology of transition and discusses factors placing the neonate at risk of illness. A plan of care for neonates experiencing symptoms of underlying disease during transition is presented.
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