Neonatal thermoregulation Description The neonate has a relatively large surface-to-weight ratio, reduced metabolism per unit area, and small amounts of insulating fat, making him susceptible to hypothermia. The neonate keeps…
Neonatal size and weight measurements Description Size and weight measurements establish the baseline for monitoring growth. These measurements can also be used to detect such disorders as failure to thrive…
Neonatal eye prophylaxis Description Antibiotic ointment is instilled into the neonate’s eyes to prevent blindness and eye damage from conjunctivitis due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia, which the neonate may…
Lochia flow assessment Description Lochia is the vaginal discharge that occurs after birth. The outermost layer of the uterus that becomes necrotic and is being expelled. Lochia is similar to…
Internal electronic fetal monitoring Description Internal electronic fetal monitoring is an invasive procedure in which an internal spiral electrode (ISE) is attached to the presenting fetal part (usually the scalp)…
Gavage feeding Description Gavage feeding involves passing nutrients directly to the neonate’s stomach by a tube advanced nasally or orally. If a neonate can’t suck (because of prematurity, illness, or…
Fundal palpation (postpartum) Description After birth, the uterus gradually shrinks and descends into its prepregnancy position in the pelvis; termed involution. Palpation of the uterine fundus postpartum helps to determine…
Fetal heart rate assessment Description This noninvasive method of obtaining fetal heart rate (FHR) involves the use of a Doppler ultrasound device or fetoscope. FHR is detectable at 12 weeks’…
External electronic fetal monitoring Description External electronic fetal monitoring is an indirect, noninvasive procedure involving the use of two devices, an ultrasound transducer and a tocotransducer, placed on the patient’s…
Emergency birth Description Emergency delivery, the unplanned birth of a neonate outside of a health care facility, may occur when labor progresses very quickly or when circumstances prevent the woman…
