Preterm New-born Nursing Care
Plan & Management
Description
▪ A preterm new born is one born before 37 weeks’ gestation.
Aetiology
1. The aetiology of preterm labour is poorly understood.
2. Possible factors include the following:
a. Multiple gestation
b. Maternal history of preterm delivery
c. Hydramnios
d. Uterine anomalies
e. More than one second trimester abortion
f. Incompetent cervix
g. Infection
h. Uterine structural anomalies
i. Premature rupture of membranes
j. Maternal substance abuse (especially cocaine).
k. Maternal age less than 18 years , poor nutrition, and lack of
prenatal care
Pathophysiology
▪ Preterm new-borns exhibit anatomic and physiologic immaturity
in all body systems; this immaturity hinders the adaptations to
extrauterine life that the new born must make.
Assessment Findings
1. Associated findings. Altered parenting as evidenced by:
▪ Decreased or absent parental visits
▪ Parental resistance or refusal to participate in new born care
▪ Denial of severity of new born illness
▪ Resistance or refusal to touch new born
▪ Persistent verbalization of guilt
2. Clinical manifestations. There is a higher risk for the following
manifestations with a younger gestational age.
Plan & Management
Description
▪ A preterm new born is one born before 37 weeks’ gestation.
Aetiology
1. The aetiology of preterm labour is poorly understood.
2. Possible factors include the following:
a. Multiple gestation
b. Maternal history of preterm delivery
c. Hydramnios
d. Uterine anomalies
e. More than one second trimester abortion
f. Incompetent cervix
g. Infection
h. Uterine structural anomalies
i. Premature rupture of membranes
j. Maternal substance abuse (especially cocaine).
k. Maternal age less than 18 years , poor nutrition, and lack of
prenatal care
Pathophysiology
▪ Preterm new-borns exhibit anatomic and physiologic immaturity
in all body systems; this immaturity hinders the adaptations to
extrauterine life that the new born must make.
Assessment Findings
1. Associated findings. Altered parenting as evidenced by:
▪ Decreased or absent parental visits
▪ Parental resistance or refusal to participate in new born care
▪ Denial of severity of new born illness
▪ Resistance or refusal to touch new born
▪ Persistent verbalization of guilt
2. Clinical manifestations. There is a higher risk for the following
manifestations with a younger gestational age.
