Nicu Rotation Paper

The primary diagnosis of my patient is prematurity, she was born at 36 weeks and is considered a late preterm infant. Late preterm infants are at an increased risk for early death and long- term health problems when compared with infants who are born full term (Alden, 2012, p. 780). Late preterm are also at greater risk for complications such as respiratory distress and are more likely to be hospitalized longer and require intensive care. In addition, preterm infants are at risk because their organ systems are immature and they lack adequate reserves for bodily nutrients (Alden, 2012, p. 896). One of the signs and symptoms of a late premature baby includes respiratory distress or apnea due to immaturity of the lungs. The early signs of respiratory distress are flaring of the nares, infants color change from pink to circumoral cyanosis, shallow breathing and expiratory grunt. The cardiovascular system is also affected some of the signs and symptoms are slow capillary refill, hypotension and continued respiratory distress despite supplying of oxygen. Also, late premature infants are at risk for temperature instability some of the signs and symptoms of temperature instability are apnea, tachycardia, weak or absent cry, warm to touch, flushed/red skin, poor feeding, sweating, hypoglycemia and shivering (Alden, 2012, p. 896). My patients was exhibiting some respiratory distress symptoms, such as flaring of the nares and tachypnea. She was also exhibiting a sign of hypoglycemia, which is a sign of hypothermia. This was more likely due to the minimal or no fat stores of a preterm infant, which then results in the infant burning more calories and glucose in order to conserve heat, as a result the infant becomes hypoglycemic due to the low level of glucose in the bloodstream. My patient was also showing signs of physiological jaundice, it is common among preterm babies due to an immature liver and inability to conjugate bilirubin. In preterm infants, jaundice

References: Alden, K., Cashion, K., Lowdermilk, D., Perry, S. (2012). Maternity and Women 's Health Care.10th edition. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby