CEBU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

In consortium with
CEBU CITY MEDICAL CENTER- COLLEGE OF NURSING

CLASSWORK FORMAT
LEVEL II CCMC-CN
AY 2020-2021

NAME: Dela Rosa, Mary Justine G. YEAR & SECTION: Level II – A

SUBJECT/AREA: Care of Mother and Child at Risk DATE: April 15, 2021

Module 6: The Newborn At Risk

1. Compare the problems of the large-for-gestational-age infant with those of the small-
for-gestational-age infant.

Both large and small for gestational age babies are prone to complications due to the
difference in their size away from the normal range for newborn infants. Because of
their size, both conditions are prone to difficulty in breathing and are at risk for
pulmonary restrictions and difficulties. Polycythemia or an excessive amount of red
blood cells is also observed for both conditions. The differential risks between the two
is that babies that are large for gestational age usually have jaundice because of the
bilirubin in the liver, high insulin level and higher risk for diabetes later. Small for
gestational age babies on the other hand have a difficulty in maintaining body
temperature, low apgar score, and a low blood sugar level.

2. Describe causes of neonatal infections and nursing care for infants with infections.

Infection can be caused mainly by bacteria that the infant will come across before and
after delivery, but different microorganisms can still cause infection. The pathogens
that can affect the child may be found in the amniotic fluid, placental tissues, and
delivery canal during delivery. Exposure to these infected areas can increase risk for
infection. Post-delivery infection on the other hand is caused by contaminated hospital
equipment, exposure to medicines that lead to antibiotic resistance, having a catheter in
a blood vessel for a long time, staying in the hospital for an extended period of time.

Nursing management for neonatal sepsis includes thermal regulation for the body to
focus its energy to fighting the infection. Fluids and electrolytes should be balanced of
for the septic neonate. They should be placed NPO due to increased risk of aspiration,
paralytic ileus, and necrotizing enterocolitis. Vital signs should be monitored regularly
to prevent further complications. All procedures must condone to aseptic technique.

LEVEL II CCMC-CN 1
 CEBU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
In consortium with
CEBU CITY MEDICAL CENTER- COLLEGE OF NURSING

3. Describe the characteristics and problems of the infant with post maturity syndrome.

Post maturity is a word used to describe babies born after 42 weeks. This condition can
be characterized through the length of pregnancy and the baby’s appearance or how
they seem to age. The baby born with post maturity syndrome will be at risk for
irregular weight loss due to the decrease in amniotic fluid, poor oxygen supply,
meconium aspiration due to overstaying in the womb, and hypoglycemia due to using
up stored glucose in the body.

4. Explain the effect of maternal diabetes on the newborn and implications for n ursing care.

Maternal diabetes impose risk for both the mother and the child. For the neonate, it can
cause LGA or large for gestational age condition which may impose risk for diabetes to
the baby. When born, the baby might be diagnosed with macrosomia, accompanied by
high glucose levels. This will ensue that the baby will have difficulty in breathing and
may have higher risk of Obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life. Nursing management
includes monitoring of vital signs for both mother and child to check breathing and
pulse rate. Nurse should check for jaundice in the baby and should monitor mother’s
blood sugar levels. Edema should also be observed from the mother.

References:

Definitions for Gestational Age and Birth Weight. (2017). Retrieved April 14, 2021, from
Utmb.edu website:
https://www.utmb.edu/Pedi_Ed/CoreV2/Neonatology/Neonatology5.html

‌Neonatal sepsis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (2011). Retrieved April 14, 2021, from
Medlineplus.gov website:
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007303.htm#:~:text=Neonatal%20sepsis%20can
%20be%20caused,women%20are%20screened%20during%20pregnancy.

‌default - Stanford Children’s Health. (2019). Retrieved April 14, 2021, from
Stanfordchildrens.org website: https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?
id=postmaturity-in-the-newborn-90-P02399

‌Gestational diabetes - Symptoms and causes. (2020). Retrieved April 14, 2021, from Mayo
Clinic website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gestational-
diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355339#:~:text=Gestational%20diabetes%20raises
%20your%20risk,delivery%20(C%2Dsection).

LEVEL II CCMC-CN 2