OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY

CABANATUAN CAMPUS
COLLEGE OF NURSING

Garcia, Nehemiah B.
BSN 2Y2- 2A

NCMA 219 RLE

Course Task # 2

QUESTIONS:

1. Identify and discuss the nursing considerations/ interventions when administering surfactants
in premature infants to treat respiratory distress syndrome. (200-300 words
2. Download a research article on any Acute Conditions of the newborn from ScienceDirect
and submit a 200 – 300-word essay reflection.

ANSWER:

1. Identify and discuss the nursing considerations/ interventions when administering surfactants
in premature infants to treat respiratory distress syndrome. (200-300 words

 Patient monitoring, monitor the infant continuously during administration and until stable
to provide life support measures as needed. Correct endotracheal tube placement, ensure
proper placement of the endotracheal tube with bilateral chest movement and lung sounds
to provide adequate delivery of the drug. Review proper administration of drugs have
staff view the manufacturer’s teaching video before regular use to review the specific
technical aspects of administration. Suction the infant, suction the infant immediately
after administration, but do not suction for 2 hours after administration unless clinically
necessary, to allow the drug time to work. Offer support, provide support and
encouragement to the parents of the patient, explaining the use of the drug in the teaching
program, to help them cope with the diagnosis and treatment of their infant. Continue
other measures. Continue other supportive measures related to the immaturity of the
infant because this is only one aspect of medical care needed for premature infants.
Monitor patient response to the drug. Monitor for adverse effects. Evaluate the
effectiveness of the teaching plan and support parents as appropriate. Monitor the
effectiveness of other measures to support patient and stabilize the patient. Evaluate the
effectiveness of other supportive measures related to the immaturity of the infant
 OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
CABANATUAN CAMPUS
COLLEGE OF NURSING

 Nursing considerations for patients taking lung surfactants includes:

 Nursing Assessment of the infants by the nurse before administering the lung surfactant:
 Assess for possible contraindications and cautions: screen for the time of birth
and exact weight to determine appropriate doses; because this drug is used as an
emergency treatment, there are no contraindications to screen for.
 Perform a physical examination to establish baseline data for assessing the
effectiveness of the drug and the occurrence of any adverse effects associated
with drug therapy.
 Assess the skin temperature and color to evaluate perfusion.
 Monitor respirations, adventitious sounds, endotracheal tube placement and
patency, and chest movements to evaluate the effectiveness of the drug and drug
delivery.
 Evaluate blood pressure, pulse, and arterial pressure to monitor the status of the
infant.
 Evaluate blood gases and oxygen saturation to monitor drug effectiveness.
 Assess temperature and complete blood count to monitor for sepsis.

2. Download a research article on any Acute Conditions of the newborn from ScienceDirect
and submit a 200 – 300-word essay reflection.

 Reference:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/newborn-infection

According to the article, neonatal infections have a mortality rate of 40–80% and infants who
survive the infection are often left with irreversible neurological disorders. Most of these
cases occur in low-income and middle-income countries in settings characterized by high-risk
household practices, no access to quality care and weak health systems. Neonatal infections
are acquired during prenatal development or in the first four weeks of life. It may be
contracted by mother to child transmission, in the birth canal during childbirth, or contracted
after birth. It is caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Listeria, and some strains of
streptococcus. Most infants are "sterile" when admitted to the newborn nursery. Effective
infection control in the nursery attempts to reduce the exposure of the neonate to harmful
microorganisms. This includes handwashing, disinfection and sterilization of equipment,
minimization of vaginal examinations, and prompt diagnosis and treatment of prolonged
labor. Infection prevention also includes early and exclusive breastfeeding, clean cord care,
improved maternal health and nutrition, maternal and neonatal immunizations, and antibiotic
prophylaxis. Successful management of sepsis requires prompt identification of signs and
 OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
CABANATUAN CAMPUS
COLLEGE OF NURSING

symptoms and early treatment. As mentioned in the article, early identification of infection
in neonates can be a challenge because signs of systemic infection in the neonate are often
nonspecific. The nurse can contribute to the identification and management of infection by
detecting and reporting early signs such as abnormal temperature, bradycardia, vomiting, poor
feeding and by facilitating completion of laboratory and diagnostic tests. Identifying and
managing the neonate with infection is the responsibility of nurses, physicians, and clinicians
who have experience in neonatal intensive care. Nowadays, many preventive and curative
interventions are available which if implemented effectively could prevent most neonatal
deaths around the world.