Uterine contraction palpation Description Uterine contraction palpation provides information about the frequency, duration, and intensity of contractions and the relaxation time between them. The character of contractions varies with the…
Tocolytic therapy Description Tocolytic therapy involves the use of medications to suppress uterine activity. Several drugs may be used including magnesium sulfate, terbutaline, nifedipine, or indomethacin. Alert Tocolytic therapy is…
Phototherapy Description Phototherapy is the exposure of the neonate to high-intensity fluorescent light to breakdown bilirubin by oxidation. It’s considered the treatment of choice for hyperbilirubinemia caused by hemolytic disease…
Perineal care Description Perineal care promotes healing and comfort and prevents infection by cleaning the perineal area. It’s performed in conjunction with a perineal assessment and after the patient voids…
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…
