Maharishi Markendeshwar College of Nursing, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana. E-mail: sarinjyoti@yahoo.co.in
The challenges for nurses caring for sick neonates are enormous. The first consideration in giving care to sick neonates is to ‘Do no harm’. The ultimate goal of caring for sick neonates in NICU is to strive for intact survival2.
The major causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality are birth asphyxia, respiratory distress syndrome, hypothermia, low birth weight and neonatal septicemia. Neonates with birth weight less than 1500 grams or gestational age of < 32 weeks or those who required prolonged resuscitation or a neonate with severe RDS and receiving prolonged oxygen therapy/CPAP/assisted ventilation are nursed in NICU for intensive monitoring and management.
Care of a sick neonate includes vital parameter stabilization, continuous noninvasive and invasive monitoring, therapeutic interventions, ventilation, supportive care and long-term follow-up. In addition, thorough knowledge of life support equipment and skills of neonatal resuscitation are essential to provide effective care to sick neonates.
