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Updated: May 28, 2026
19:15
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
[Environmental impact on the neonate].
Sheila Gascón Gracia1, Rosa M García Berman
1Hospital Materno-Infantil Vall d'Hebrón. sheilainet@hotmail.com
Revista De Enfermeria (Barcelona, Spain)
|October 22, 2011
Summary
Neonatal care advances improve survival but can impact development. Caring Focused on Development (CFD) minimizes environmental stress for newborns, reducing neurological issues and promoting better central nervous system (CNS) organization.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
Context:
- Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are essential for high-risk infants.
- Advances in neonatology increase survival rates for preterm and critically ill newborns.
- Environmental factors in NICUs can negatively impact infant neurodevelopment.
Purpose:
- To introduce the concept of Caring Focused on Development (CFD).
- To outline interventions aimed at minimizing environmental stress for neonates.
- To highlight the importance of reducing neurological sequelae in premature infants.
Summary:
- Caring Focused on Development (CFD) involves managing environmental stimuli (auditory, visual, tactile, vestibular) in NICUs.
- Key interventions include controlling external stimuli, clustering care activities, appropriate positioning, and family-centered care.
- Reducing environmental stressors like noise, light, manipulation, and pain can mitigate negative effects on the developing central nervous system (CNS).
Impact:
- CFD strategies can reduce stress behaviors in premature infants.
- Minimizing environmental stress supports better CNS organization and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- Implementing CFD promotes a more supportive and developmentally appropriate NICU environment.
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