Page 826 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

H. Stimulation: Providing stimulation to the newborn such as

touching, cuddling, or talking is an important intervention.
VI. Preterm Newborn
A. Description
1. An infant born before 37 weeks of gestation but
greater than 20 weeks of gestation.

2. Primary concern relates to immaturity of all

body systems
B. Assessment
1. Respirations are irregular with periods of apnea.
2. Body temperature is below normal.
3. The newborn has poor suck and swallow reflexes.
4. Bowel sounds are diminished.
5. Urinary output is increased or decreased.
6. Extremities are thin, with minimal creasing on soles
and palms.
7. The newborn extends extremities and does not
maintain flexion.
8. Lanugo, on skin and in the hair on the newborn’s
head, is present in woolly patches.
9. Skin is thin, with visible blood vessels and minimal
subcutaneous fat pads.
10. Skin may appear jaundiced.
11. Testes are undescended in boys.
12. Labia majora are narrow in girls.
C. Interventions
1. Monitor vital signs every 2 to 4 hours.
2. Maintain airway and cardiopulmonary functions.
3. Administer oxygen and humidification as prescribed.
4. Monitor intake and output and electrolyte balance.
5. Monitor daily weight.
6. Maintain the newborn in a warming device.
7. Avoid exposure to infections.
VII. Postterm Newborn
A. Description: Infant born after 42 weeks of gestation
B. Assessment
1. Hypoglycemia
2. Parchment-like skin (dry and cracked) without lanugo
3. Long fingernails, extended over ends of fingers
4. Profuse scalp hair
5. Long and thin body
6. Wasting of fat and muscle in extremities
7. Meconium staining possibly present on nails and
umbilical cord
C. Interventions

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