Aberos, Marithe Joi A.

Group 1

Neonatal Pneumonia
- A type of pneumonia occurring in the 1st month of life. Specifically, the neonatal period is the 1st 28
days of life.
- Neonatal pneumonia is lung infection in a neonate. Onset may be within hours of birth and part of a
generalized sepsis syndrome or after 7 days and confined to the lungs. Signs may be limited to
respiratory distress or progress to shock and death. Diagnosis is by clinical and laboratory evaluation for
sepsis. Treatment is initial broad-spectrum antibiotics changed to organism-specific drugs as soon as
possible.
Symptoms:
Clinical signs are unspecific and present as respiratory distress of various degree, suspicious appearing
tracheal aspirates, cough, apnea, high or low temperature, poor feeding, abdominal distension, and
lethargy.

Pathophysiology

Pneumonia may be acquired by intrauterine (transplacental hematogenous, ascending from birth canal),
intrapartum (aspiration) or postnatal routes (hematogenous, environmental). The pathogens include
mainly bacteria, followed by viruses and fungi which induce an inflammatory pulmonary condition. This
may cause epithelial injury to the airways, leakage of proteinaceous fluid into the alveoli and
interstitium, leading to surfactant deficiency or dysfunction. Important predisposing factors in the
evolution of pneumonia are immaturity, low birth weight, premature rupture of membranes,
chorioamnionitis and factors associated with prolonged neonatal intensive care.

Drug of Choice: Vancomycin, Meropenem., Piperacillin/ Tazobactam or cefepime.

Diagnostic Test: Chest X-ray (Babygram), CBC, and Blood Cultures

Possible complications of the disease

- Septic Shock
- Empyema

Nursing Interventions (Dependent and Independent)

Independent:
- Assess respiratory rate, depth and ease.
- Monitor vital signs (body temperature, heart rate, pulse rate
- Monitor I&O every shift and record
- Monitor for effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy.

Dependent
- Administer O2 via NC as ordered
- Nipple feeding to the newborn (assisted)
- Administer antimicrobials as prescribed.
- Administer medications as prescribed.
Discharge Planning

Medication - Advice the parent of the child to take all prescribe medication on time and if the patient is
taking an antibiotic never stop the medication and finish the entire course.

Exercise- N/A

Treatment- Use a cool mist humidifier This may make it easier for your child to breathe and help
decrease his or her cough.

Health teaching- Get vaccines the child needs. Vaccines protect against viruses or bacteria that cause
infections such as the flu, pertussis, and pneumonia.

-Keep the child away from others when needed. If your child is sick, do not let him or her go to school or
other activities. Wait until your child is well or his or her healthcare provider says it is okay.

Out patient- Advice the parents to have the child get a regular check up if necessary.

Diets- Bottle feed or breastfeed the child in smaller amounts more often. To avoid the child to become
tired easily when feeding.

-Give the child liquids as directed. Liquids help your child to loosen mucus and keeps him or her from
becoming dehydrated.

Spirituality- Respect the parents religion and strengthen their faith that the child will get better soon.