Preterm neonates and low birth weight with respiratory distress syndrome: Case study

Abstract

Preterm infant and low birth weight are a higher risk group of morbid and mortal than term infants. Patient care of this group needs to be aware and looking for the complications. Case study A Thai male newborn, GA 31 weeks by the Ballard score system, normal labour, apgar (1,5 min) 9,9, birth weight 1,510 gm transfer from the labour room to the NICU by transport incubator due to generalized cyanosis and respiratory distress.

Management of this case is on the incubator, endotracheal tube insertion with ventilator support, surfactant therapy, NPO, on OG tube, parenteral nutrition (TPN), on umbilical catheter insertion and give antibiotics Ampicillin and Gentamicin. The first diagnosis is preterm with low birth weight with respiratory distress syndrome. After that this case has a high level of bilirubin so phototherapy is used to treat. Anemia is corrected by blood transfusion. Finally, this case has the normal respiration, active, proper feeding. Plan of patient care is discharged with full maternal care. Total length of stay is 25 days with body weight 2,020gm and no complication such as ROP, hearing problem, IVH. Post diagnosis is Preterm with Low birth weight with Respiratory distress syndrome with anemia of prematurity with neonatal jaundice. The action of NICU nurse is important for the critical situation. Now the survival rate of preterm infant is increased. Despite the complications and disability may cause long term problem. Therefore, patient care is needed to have continuous care. So NICU nurse needs to have knowledge and skill for nursing care to take the preterm infant to survive, proper growth and prevent many complications as possible.