Normal Newborn UNFOLDING Reasoning Baby Boy Jones, 1 hour old
Normal Newborn
Primary Concept
Reproduction
Interrelated Concepts (In order of emphasis)
• Thermoregulation
• Nutrition
• Perfusion
• Pain
• Clinic
...
Normal Newborn UNFOLDING Reasoning Baby Boy Jones, 1 hour old
Normal Newborn
Primary Concept
Reproduction
Interrelated Concepts (In order of emphasis)
• Thermoregulation
• Nutrition
• Perfusion
• Pain
• Clinical Judgment
• Patient Education
• Communication
• Collaboration
NCLEX Client Need Categories Percentage of Items from Each
Category/Subcategory
Covered in Case
Study
Safe and Effective Care Environment
• Management of Care 17-23% ✓
• Safety and Infection Control 9-15%
Health Promotion and Maintenance 6-12% ✓
Psychosocial Integrity 6-12% ✓
Physiological Integrity
• Basic Care and Comfort 6-12% ✓
• Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies 12-18% ✓
• Reduction of Risk Potential 9-15% ✓
• Physiological Adaptation 11-17% ✓
UNFOLDING Reasoning
Baby Boy Jones, 1 hour old
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One hour after Delivery:
Anne is a 17-year-old, gravida 1 para 1 who is 39 weeks gestation. She recently experienced a normal spontaneous vaginal
delivery without the use of pain medications or an epidural. She delivered a baby boy who was placed skin to skin
following delivery. You assign Apgars of 8 and 9. Baby voided right after delivery. Weight: 7 lbs. 0 oz. (3.2 kg), 20 inches
(50.8 cm) long. After he had his first feeding, erythromycin ointment was applied to his eyes. Vitamin K and hepatitis B
vaccine (after consent given) were administered in right and left thigh in the outer aspect of the left thigh. Ann is Group
Beta Strep (GBS) positive and received antibiotics at 36 weeks and 3 doses before delivery, blood type is B-, and rubella
positive. Cord blood was sent.
Personal/Social History:
Anne has her mother with her for support. She seems to be tired but is holding and interacting with the baby
appropriately. The father of the baby is not involved. Anne plans on breastfeeding for “awhile.” Anne still lives at home,
and her mother plans to help with the new baby and appears supportive.
What data from the histories are RELEVANT and must be interpreted as clinically significant by the nurse?
(Reduction of Risk Potential)
RELEVANT Data from Report: Clinical Significance:
-Normal spontaneous delivery reported
-No pain medications used
-Apgar’s of 8 & 9
-Baby voided
-All vaccines given to baby
-There really isn’t anything of clinical significance
here, perhaps because everything appears as either an
expected finding and/or appropriate intervention and
procedure.
RELEVANT Data from Social History: Clinical Significance:
-Patient’s mother is present as a support system—
patient still lives at home with her
-Baby’s father will not be involved
-Patient plans on breastfeeding (for undetermined
amount of time)
-She is holding and interacting with baby
-It appears that the patient is doing well at this point in
time. She is interacting with her baby and wants to
breast feed. She has a solid support system, which is
important due to her young age.
Patient Care Begins: You complete your assessment:
Current VS: P-Q-R-S-T Pain Assessment:
T: 97.0 F/36.1 C (axillary) Provoking/Palliative:
P: 130 (regular) Quality:
R: 50 (irregular) Region/Radiation:
BP: none taken Severity: NIPS score 0
O2 sat: pink in color/no
central cyanosis noted
Timing:
What VS data are RELEVANT and must be interpreted as clinically significant by the nurse? (Reduction
of Risk Potential/Health Promotion and Maintenance)
RELEVANT VS
Data:
Clinical Significance:
-Temperature of
97.0
-Baby’s temp is lower than we’d like to see and he his respiratory rate is on the high end
of acceptable range so it’s something I’m going to want to keep an eye on. But all other
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Current Assessment:
GENERAL
APPEARANCE:
Calm, quiet, and in a crib next to the bed.
RESP: Lusty cry, breath sounds clear, irregular, non-labored respiratory effort, no nasal flaring, no
grunting noted.
CARDIAC: Pink, warm & dry, heart sounds regular with no abnormal beats, pulses strong, acrocyanosis
present in hands and feet, no central cyanosis noted.
NEURO: Fontanelles flat and soft, good tone, slight flexion of arms and legs
What assessment data are RELEVANT and must be interpreted as clinically significant by the nurse?
(Reduction of Risk Potential/Health Promotion and Maintenance)
RELEVANT Assessment Data: Clinical Significance:
-Irregular respiratory rate is noted
-Clear breath sounds, non-labored effort
with no signs of distress
-Heart sounds auscultated, neg for cyanosis
-Fontanelles are within range and flexion is
present
-Flexion of arms and legs
-Everything thing in this assessment appears with appropriate
ranges and findings
-The only abnormality is the irregular respiratory rate, however
everything else indicates that baby is doing well and still in the
adjustment phase
-“Slight” flexion is reported
Clinical Reasoning Begins…
1. Interpreting relevant clinical data, what is the primary concern? What primary health-related concepts does this
primary problem represent? (Management of Care/Physiologic Adaptation)
Problem: Pathophysiology of Problem in OWN Words: Primary
Concept:
-Our largest
concern at
this point is
cold stress on
the newborn
-As the newborn was delivered at 39 weeks and has only been on the
outside for about an hour, this is the time he is most susceptible to cold
stress. Failure to prevent this causes an increase in metabolic activity which
will have a negative impact on some of the other operating systems in the
body. Full term babies remain in a flexed position to help maintain warmth,
and this is also a time when skin to skin is important as well as frequent
feeding.
-This comes down
to thermoregulation of the
newborn
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(Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies)
Care Provider Orders: Rationale: Expected Outcome:
-Vital signs q 30 mins until stable for 2
hrs—then every 4-6 hrs
-May place skin to skin if vital signs
stable
-May bathe after 6-8 hours, then bathe prn
-Recommend and encourage exclusive
breastfeeding.
Breastfeed PRN, minimum of 8-10
times in 24 hours. No more than
four-hour gap in feedings. Feed
infant based on feeding cues.
Similac/Enfamil 6-10 mL every 3-
4 hours based on infant’s feeding
cues
-Weight at birth and then every evening
-Input and Output every shift
-Newborn work up (blood type, Coombs)
if the mother is Rh negative
-The newborn screen at greater than 24
hours
-Transcutaneous bilirubin level prior to
discharge
-Newborn hearing screen before discharge
-Congenital heart screening
-It’s important to be frequently assessing
the baby’s vitals in order to quickly
determine if there is any type of change or
decline
-Skin to skin is essential in helping to
thermoregulate the baby
-Breastfeeding is the gold standard
whenever possible, but if formula is being
used, education needs to be provided so
that it is being done appropriately
-Weights should be performed at the same
time of day and using the same scale.
However, baby was weighed the first time
should continue
-I&Os help demonstrate if baby is eating
enough since they are not able to speak
and wear diapers
-Bilirubin should be checked to confirm
liver function
-Hearing and CHD screenings should be
tested prior to discharge to allow time for
baby to acclimate and for fluid to exit
places it should not be in
-It’s expected that baby’s
vitals signs are all within
acceptable ranges during
all checks.
-The baby should be skin
skin if stable with
frequent breastfeeding
performed.
-They should be getting
weight twice a day every
day, and I&Os should be
consistently monitored
until discharge
-Bilirubin levels will be
within normal ranges
prior to discharge to
ensure no occurrence of
jaundice
-All screenings, including
hearing and CHD will be
completed prior to
discharge but after 24hrs
after birth
Collaborative Care: Nursing
2. What body system(s) will you assess most thoroughly based on the primary/priority concern?
(Reduction of Risk Potential/Physiologic Adaptation)
PRIORITY Body System: PRIORITY Nursing Assessments:
The two systems we’re going to assess the most
are the respiratory and cardiovascular, as these
two systems will show reveal manifestations the
earliest.
-Assessment of vital signs for the first three hours is
essential. Temperature and all other VS should be getting
assessed every 30min for the first couple of hours after birth
until the newborn has demonstrated stability in all areas
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Nursing PRIORITY: Maintain a neutral thermal
environment
PRIORITY Nursing Interventions: Rationale: Expected Outcome:
-Frequently assess the newborn’s vital
signs to monitor for signs of cold stress
-Maintain the baby in a warm
environment until stable by preventing a
bath until stable, assisting with skin to
skin, and ensuring there are frequent
feeds for the baby.
Keeping tabs on the newborn’s vitals
on a more frequent basis can alert us
to any variations in a timelier
manner.
We then have the opportunity for
early intervention and stand a greater
chance of a better outcome.
Vitals signs will be performed
frequently to assess the
newborn for signs of cold
stress and take necessary
steps to maintain a neutral
thermal environment.
4. What psychosocial/holistic care PRIORITIES need to be addressed for this patient?
(Psychosocial Integrity/Basic Care and Comfort)
Psychosocial PRIORITIES: This really cannot be geared as much to the infant as much as to his
mother.
PRIORITY Nursing Interventions: Rationale: Expected Outcome:
CARE/COMFORT:
Assess the mother for any signs of
discomfort and take any necessary steps
to increase comfort level
If mom isn’t comfortable and reports
an increased pain scale, it will be
more difficult for her to take care of
her infant. A mom that is
comfortable and has successfully
managed her pain has the energies to
focus on taking care of her baby (i.e.
breastfeeding/skin to skin).
Mom will be able to more
frequently breastfeed and
maintain skin to skin contact
with her infant since she is
resting comfortably and has
minimal pain to report.
EMOTIONAL (How to develop a
therapeutic relationship):
Discuss the following principles needed
as conditions essential for a therapeutic
relationship:
• Rapport
• Trust
• Respect
• Genuineness
• Empathy
Adaption to the role of mother
It’s important to develop a dialogue and a
trust with the mother of the infant. She
needs to be made aware that you are
If a patient feels that there is a
genuine trust and that you can
empathize with her situation, it is
easier for her to trust you. This is
especially important if she is feeling
overwhelmed or perhaps suffering
from some type of post-partum
episode or has feelings about hurting
her child.
Mom will actively
communicate any questions or
concerns she may have about
the state of her health and the
care of her newborn so that
appropriate inventions can be
taken to address any questions
or concerns.
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as her baby.
SPIRITUAL:
• F-Faith or beliefs
• I-Importance and influence
• C-Community
• A-Address
Make sure all spiritual beliefs are
acknowledged and addressed with the
patient. Try to incorporate any customs
associated with these beliefs in the plan
of care if they do not pose any threat to
the health of mom or baby.
Again, this comes down to respect
and communication. Demonstrating
respect for your patient and actively
trying to prioritize her spiritual
beliefs or customs will make
communicating easier.
All steps to incorporate
spiritual beliefs into the
patient’s plan of care will be
taken so that patient can freely
communicate her feelings
with fear of being judge and
those feelings can then be
addressed.
History of Present Problem
7:00 am First Day Post-Delivery Night Shift Report:
Baby has breastfed with a good latch six times in the last 12 hours. Anne is holding and
talking to her baby, looking at him and calling him by name. She plans on having the baby
circumcised. The baby had three wet and one meconium diaper since birth. Cord blood was
sent to lab.
Current VS: P-Q-R-S-T Pain Assessment:
T: 97.7 F/36.5 C (axillary) Provoking/Palliative:
P: 130 (regular) Quality:
R: 50 (irregular) Region/Radiation:
BP: none taken Severity: NIPS score 0
O2 sat: pink in color Timing:
1200 Assessment and Rounding
Anne has just finished breastfeeding, but she expresses concern that she isn’t doing it correctly.
She asks how to tell if baby is eating enough. She tells you she has decided to name the baby
James. Her mom is at bedside and appears supportive.
Current VS: P-Q-R-S-T Pain Assessment:
T: 98.6 F/37 C (axillary) Provoking/Palliative:
P: 130 (regular) Quality:
R: 50 (irregular) Region/Radiation:
BP: none taken Severity: NIPS score 0
O2 sat: pink in color Timing:
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https://www.coursehero.com/file/59116290/Normal-Newborn-Case-Study-Saturdaydocx/Current Assessment:
GENERAL
APPEARANCE:
Calm, quiet, and in a crib next to the bed.
RESP: Lusty cry, breath sounds clear, irregular, non-labored respiratory effort, no nasal flaring, no
grunting noted.
CARDIAC: Pink, warm & dry, heart sounds regular with no abnormal beats, pulses strong, acrocyanosis
present in hands and feet
NEURO: Fontanelles flat and soft. Baby has good tone, slight flexion of arms and legs
1. What data is RELEVANT and must be interpreted as clinically significant by the nurse? (Reduction
of Risk Potential/Health Promotion and Maintenance)
RELEVANT VS
Data:
Clinical Significance:
Temperature: 98.6 Almost everything has remained unchanged during the last couple of vitals
assessments. The only thing of clinical significance is the fact that the baby’s body
temperature and progressively trended upwards and is now within an acceptable range.
RELEVANT
Assessment Data:
Clinical Significance:
All assessment data
remains unchanged
from the previous
assessment.
This is a no news is good news type of situation. There isn’t anything new to report on
assessment, but everything from previous assessments was with normal ranges, which
is what we want to see.
2. Has the status improved or not as expected to this point? Does your nursing priority or plan of care
need to be modified in any way after this evaluation assessment? (Management of Care, Physiological
Adaptation)
Evaluation of Current Status: Modifications to Current Plan of Care:
The baby’s status has since improved since
birth.
No modifications are need to the current plan of care.
3. Based on your current evaluation, what are your CURRENT nursing priorities and plan of care?
(Management of Care)
CURRENT Nursing
PRIORITY:
Provide patient further education on the care of a newborn.
PRIORITY Nursing
Interventions:
Rationale: Expected Outcome:
-Connect patient with
a support group of
It’s quite possible the patient has no
experience with a newborn, nor does
The patient will interact and connect with
other mothers of newborns of all different
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her in some type of
parenting class.
she interact with someone who does on
a daily basis. This is important for her
to have during the transition to
motherhood.
ages and be able to establish relationships
while gaining some knowledge via instruction
and through the experience of those she is
associating with in her group
1600 Assessment and Rounding…
Anne is worried about how she will manage when she goes home with the new baby. “I never
even babysat when I was younger or helped take care of younger siblings”. She also asks you
about getting the baby circumcised, "Will it hurt the baby and how do I take care of it?" Anne
also expresses concern about what will happen when she goes back to work in six weeks. She
wants to know when "she'll be back to normal." You teach her infant care, signs and symptoms
to report. You encourage her to attend a mother support group and provide her with local
resources for ongoing mentoring and support.
Education Priorities
What educational priorities will be needed to develop a teaching plan for this patient and/or family?
(Health Promotion and Maintenance)
Education PRIORITY: This was already utilized upon the change to the nursing
priority, but enrollment in some type of parenting education
class will be monument for this patient. She has very little
exposure of knowledge of the situation that she finds herself
in and will need some type of intervention as soon as
possible.
PRIORITY Topics to Teach: Rationale:
1. Parenting 101 Overview of caring for a
newborn on a daily basis (i.e. bathing,
feeding, swaddling, etc.)
2. Breastfeeding 101 Overview on
breastfeeding and proper techniques as well
as navigating the problems along the way
and who to contact and when.
As this is her first child and she has no real experience with
newborns, it’s vital that the patient be provided a
comprehensive overview of caring for her newborn. This
should include all the day to day activities involved in
parenting as well as identifying problems and how to manage
said issues.
Forty-eight hours After Delivery…
Anne is stable and at 48 hours, her doctor discharges her. RhoGAM was given as ordered.
Discharge teaching has been completed. Baby has been cleared for discharge as well. James’
assessment is as follows:
RELEVANT Data: Clinical Significance:
Term infant being discharged after being cleared to
be discharged home. Mom and baby are both doing
well. Both patient’s vitals are stable.
Mom and baby have demonstrated appropriate levels of
health to be able to be discharged.
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https://www.coursehero.com/file/59116290/Normal-Newborn-Case-Study-Saturdaydocx/Caring and the “Art” of Nursing
What is the patient likely experiencing/feeling right now in this situation? What can you do to engage yourself with
this patient’s experience, and show that he/she matters to you as a person? (Psychosocial Integrity)
What Patient is Experiencing: How to Engage:
The patient is probably feeling very
nervous and scared. There’s no
doubt some feeling of excitement,
but fear of the unknown or fear of
failure or injury to the baby is
probably the strongest emotion at
this point.
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