Jayve Senepete, Author at Nursing Evolutions

Essential Insights to Pediatric Intensive Care

Posted on November 4, 2024November 4, 2024 by Jayve Senepete

Pediatric intensive care is a specialized solution for critically ill infants. Admitting children to undergo this treatment can be stressful for families, especially when they expect uncertainty. However, it is crucial to know how intensive care works, especially within home settings. Keep reading to discover essential insights into taking intensive care of your child.

Understanding Pediatric Intensive Care

Defining pediatric intensive care generally revolves around specialized treatments in either hospital or home settings. These treatments involve advanced medical technology to care for infants or young patients with critical conditions.

Moreover, it maintains a higher staff-to-patient ratio compared to general pediatric care. This feature grants healthcare professionals more individualized attention and allows them to take immediate action regarding a patient’s condition.

According to PubMed Central, 80% of parents reported that their child’s quality of life improved after taking home care. The evolution of pediatric critical care continuously improves outcomes for severe health challenges in the long run. With the implementation of ongoing improvements, the success rate would also improve over time.

Criteria for Home Intensive Care

Families need to understand the criteria for admission to intensive care once the option is deemed necessary. This approach is designed to handle different severe medical conditions that require constant monitoring and advanced interventions. When considering these types of care, you should consider if your child possesses the following:

Infant’s Condition

Admission to the PICU is reserved for medically fragile infants. Medical conditions that heavily require intensive care may include:

Respiratory distress;
Hemodynamic instability;
Severe infections; or
Disorders that affect the organ system.

If your infant has complex and chronic conditions, you may require 24/7 at-home nursing care. For example, a child with asthma might experience severe flare-ups if their condition is not promptly managed with appropriate medications and lifestyle adjustments.

Severity of the Condition

Some illnesses can last a lifetime and affect a child’s behavior. These conditions can worsen if not treated properly. Pediatric nurses in intensive care dedicate their time to helping parents care for and treat their infants when it is most needed.

Timeliness of Intervention

Timing your child’s admission to home nursing services is crucial in determining the infant’s critical outcome.

Delays in considering pediatric intensive care can affect the length of the treatment. Additionally, various conditions can worsen if not treated at the earliest time possible. Moreover, delaying home nursing options can lead to prolonged hospital stays. Not only does this lead to increased healthcare costs, but also stresses the child.

Importance Of Asking Questions

Pediatric nurses provide not only medical care but also emotional support to help families cope with stress and anxiety. You are allowed to voice out questions regarding home intensive care and its associated process. Whether it is about treatment options or success rate, feel free to inquire about details that would ease your concerns.

Additionally, expressing your thoughts may also help home nurses tailor their approach to further optimize the treatment process.

Follow-Up Home Care

Home nurses are not just available to look after your kids, they are also there to help you too. Having experience in the medical field, these nurses will provide helpful advice to parents in properly taking care of their infants. For example, they can share effective tips for infection control or the best ways to help cardiac-infected children.

Moreover, you need to obtain follow-up care, which may include outpatient services and follow-up appointments. These treatments are needed in case conditions after post-intensive care occur. The services are also needed for infant patients who need 24/7 home care.

Need For Intervention Care

Pediatric home nurses are ideal partners who can help you take care of infants at their most vulnerable. However, it is critically important to be aware that hospital trips and assistance are also needed depending on the condition’s severity.

A pediatric and neonatal specialist is needed to assess your infant’s condition. If they show signs of deterioration despite initial treatment efforts, immediate intervention may be needed. Programs such as neonatal neurodevelopmental clinics demonstrate how follow-up home care can be organized to support high-risk infants following discharge from the NICU.

You should know what comes next when your child goes under this treatment. Your home nurse can help your infant transition from hospital to home once the intervention care is no longer necessary.

Rely On Nursing Evolutions For Successful Care

While navigating Pediatric Intensive Care can be overwhelming, understanding its role, significance, and success lightens the load. Carried out by trusted nurses and medical experts, these treatments ensure the best health outcome for your infant. Moreover, thanks to continuous learning and digital advancements, these treatments empower you in challenging times.

At Nursing Evolution, we have a dedicated team of pediatric nurses that aims to change how you see critical infant healthcare. Visit our website for more details today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking into the complexity of pediatric intensive care helps to better understand what it is and what to expect. Recently, some family members inquired about common questions that clarify the field further. Listed below are some of these frequent questions.

What is pediatric intensive care?

Intensive Pediatric Care is a specialized approach to treating medically fragile infants. It often involves services that regularly nurse infants over time. Moreover, this type of care stabilizes the child’s condition and prevents further complications from occurring.

When is more intensive infant care needed?

Your baby may need to meet specific criteria in order to be admitted to more intensive care. These criteria include being underweight, experiencing respiratory distress, or having infections. At Nursing Evolutions, we provide intensive pediatric infant care in our Pediatric Critical Care Houses (PCCH). Our treatment programs include:

Habilitative and transitional care
Comfort and hospice care
Respite care

Developing CNA Jobs in Pediatric Critical Care

Posted on November 4, 2024November 4, 2024 by Jayve Senepete

Certified nursing assistant (CNA) jobs are in high demand due to the critical need for round-the-clock pediatric care. Through their experience and knowledge, professionals in this field ensure the best comfort and safety of young to infant patients. They also ensure they leave a positive impact on both patients’ and parents’ lives. Keep exploring to discover how these positions cater to the growing demand.

Current State Of Modern Pediatric Critical Care

The demand for pediatric critical care is on the rise thanks to multiple factors, including the best treatment for infants. According to Grand View Research, the Pediatric Critical Care Market was estimated at $27.13 billion back in 2023. The same study also stated that the number will increase by 5.87%.

Other factors contributing to the current state are the growing need for specialized care among infants and young children. This applies not only to families but also to hospitals and medical facilities.

Job Growth and Opportunities for CNAs

CNA job opportunities have grown in recent years and will continue expanding soon. Employers highly seek CNAs for their advanced, high-quality care.

The increasing need for intensive care for pediatric patients is also contributing to job availability in this field. Additionally, more families continue to seek tailored healthcare solutions for their children.

With ample opportunities for career advancement, CNAs are well-equipped to shape the future landscape of pediatric nursing. For example, CNAs help minimize the nurses’ workload, such as monitoring vital signs or tending to the patient’s basic care needs.

Additionally, nursing assistants serve as the first point of contact for inquiries if other nurses are unavailable. However, this still depends on the responsibilities their supervisor delegates to them. Their roles make them both caregivers and essential links between healthcare providers and families.

Expectations Within The CNA Position

In addressing the growing needs, medical companies aim to build RN careers and provide opportunities for both parties. Families and medical professionals will have a reliable contact, while eager individuals will gain experience and skills.

Additionally, CNA jobs revolve around an array of tasks, each aiming to ensure the well-being of young patients. Whether they are working with parents directly or collaborating with healthcare professionals, their presence ensures positive outcomes.

Pediatric nurses and assistants are both mentally and physically fit to deliver round-the-clock pediatric care. Some common roles include:

Monitoring Vital Signs: They regularly monitor the patient’s vital signs, such as their temperature, blood pressure, and respiration rate. This helps them assess the patient’s overall health and take necessary actions if abnormal readings are discovered.

Medical Applications: If approved by supervisors, CNAs are also responsible for medical applications. Since managing medications is a shared responsibility in pediatric nursing, nurses must be knowledgeable about dosages and potential side effects.

Cardiac Management: According to the Mayo Clinic, around 40,000 infants are born with heart defects every year. Pediatric nurses, including CNAs, must be particularly attentive to patients with cardiac-related needs. Furthermore, they will collaborate with healthcare providers to manage and adjust patient care.

Diabetes Management: CNAs also keep an eye on regularly monitoring and treating infants’ blood sugar levels. Part of their role includes checking glucose levels and helping parents understand how to manage their condition effectively.

Injury Recovery: In specific situations, CNAs also help support infant injury recovery. They assist young patients with rehabilitation exercises and mobility training. By providing encouragement and physical support, these nursing assistants contribute significantly to the healing process.

Neonatal Feeding and Growth: Some nursing assistants also help with feeding and monitoring newborn growth. Contributing to neonatal care is critical to ensure that infant patients thrive during their early stages of life.

Transitioning Patients from Hospitals to Homes: Nursing assistants also facilitate the transition of pediatric patients from hospital settings back to their homes. Depending on staff availability and supervisor approval, the CNAs educate families about ongoing care needs and regular attention. They will also share pediatric home care tips for improved living.

Long-term Impact on the Healthcare Workforce

The future of certified nursing assistants in pediatric healthcare is both prosperous and promising. In meeting the demand, these individuals will have opportunities to advance their careers to new heights.

By continuously building their existing skills and knowledge, they can deliver long-lasting impacts in different ways. Additionally, catering to those looking for these positions also showcases a positive message regarding quality of life and pediatric healing.

As healthcare systems increasingly recognize the need for pediatric expertise, their demand for skilled nurses will continue to rise. Accessing available pediatric nurses alleviates staffing shortages and makes these services more accessible. Moreover, by meeting the growing demands, families won’t feel limited in their options to access pediatric care and assistance.

This offers valuable experience that can lead to advanced positions in nursing or other medical specialties.

Rely on Nursing Evolutions For Elevated Infant Care

Available CNA jobs cater to various needs in pediatric care. Whether it is for monitoring vital signs to applying medical treatment, these assistants ensure all hands are available for complex medical tasks. Hiring an infant nurse is a solution with so many benefits, which is something you shouldn’t miss.

Nursing Evolutions provides a dedicated team of nurses to provide top-notch care to our most vulnerable members. We believe in driving change and transforming infant healthcare. Visit our website today for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions

While many medical establishments offer RN careers to meet skilled nursing demands, many people are curious about the role. Their questions can range from general responsibilities to work requirements and are asked on a regular basis. Listed below are the most frequently asked questions about being a CNA.

What does CNA stand for?

CNA stands for “certified nursing assistant.” This position indicates that the specific individual has completed the necessary training to provide essential care to patients. CNAs commonly assist with daily activities, such as monitoring vital signs and supporting nursing staff.

What is the best part of being a CNA?

CNAs’ actions often result in deep relationships with their patients and colleagues. Many individuals find joy in helping patients, while others are satisfied with improving their quality of life. This role offers numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Supporting the Development of Newborns with Cardiac Conditions

Posted on August 28, 2024August 28, 2024 by Jayve Senepete

Newborns with cardiac conditions can face unique challenges. But with the proper support, they can thrive and reach their full potential. Fortunately, nursing care can help nurture your child through their early stages of development. By closely monitoring their health and managing their treatment, nurses for newborns can significantly influence your infant’s growth, well-being, and overall development.

Understanding Cardiac Conditions in Newborns

Cardiac conditions or congenital heart defects happen when there’s a problem with the structure of an infant’s heart at birth. These conditions can vary in severity and impact, where some don’t need surgery while others require complex care.

Common types of cardiac conditions in infants include:

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)
Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

Babies with congenital heart diseases may achieve their developmental milestones slower than other infants. Fortunately, nurses for newborns can help in pediatric care and support.

The Roles of Nursing Care in Early Diagnosis and Management

Early identification of cardiac conditions in newborns is important so they can start treatment promptly. This can significantly improve outcomes and reduce complications.

Nurses for your baby are often the first to notice signs of a potential cardiac issue. They regularly check your infant’s vital signs and perform physical assessments to evaluate their health status. If they notice symptoms, they will inform you and refer you to a specialist.

Supporting Physical Health and Development

Nursing care can help support your infant’s physical health and development. In addition to monitoring their vital signs and administering medication, they can help with nutrition and feeding.

Growth and development in children with heart disease have a big impact on their overall health. Babies with cardiac conditions have difficulty gaining weight since their bodies burn more energy from breathing faster. Some babies may also be unable to absorb nutrients properly because their intestines don’t get enough oxygen. To help maintain a healthy weight, the nurse can help implement the customized nutritional plan created by your baby’s dietician.

Nurses can also introduce techniques to address feeding challenges. For example, they can administer smaller and more frequent feedings to ensure your infant gets the necessary nutrition. They can also monitor for signs of feeding intolerance and adjust their techniques as needed.

Providing Emotional and Psychological Support

While babies may not process their emotions the same way as older children or adults, they’re still highly sensitive to their surroundings and the care they receive.

Nurses for newborns can help support your baby’s emotional and psychological needs by providing a calm and comforting environment. Thus, establishing a consistent routine can make your infant feel stable and secure so they don’t feel stressed.

Nurses can also minimize your baby’s pain through medication or comfort measures like holding or skin-to-skin contact. In addition, medical professionals can also encourage you to be actively involved in your baby’s care so that you can create a strong emotional connection and bond.

Facilitating Developmental Milestones

As previously mentioned, babies with cardiac conditions can achieve development milestones at their own pace. Professionals from home nursing care services can incorporate stimulating activities into their routines to support your baby’s development. These age-appropriate activities will help strengthen your infant’s cognitive, motor, and social skills.

Here are some examples of these activities:

Touching and talking
Playing soft music
Reading aloud
Playing with toys with different textures, colors, or sounds
Tummy time
Head-lifting exercises

They’ll also guide you through techniques, positioning, and interactions so you can feel confident driving your baby’s development progress.

Long-Term Care and Follow-Up

Ultimately, neonatal nursing services can assist with your baby’s long-term care and follow-up. They provide continuous monitoring to assess your baby’s heart function, growth, and development. They can also help detect sudden changes in your infant that may require intervention.

Moreover, nursing care can offer ongoing therapeutic support, family education, and coordinated care. Aside from keeping you updated on your baby’s condition and development, continuous care also ensures they can lead a healthier and fulfilling life as they grow.

Choose Nursing Evolutions for Quality Nursing Care

Nurses for newborns with cardiac conditions can play a significant role in their support and development. They can assist you in managing their conditions and support their development. Thus, you can ensure your baby will have the best possible start in their life.

For compassionate nursing care services for medically fragile and complex babies, consider talking with your physician about Nursing Evolutions. We provide outstanding critical nursing care to help progress medically fragile babies and toddlers. We help them transition safely out of the hospital to home. For more information, contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

For more information on newborn nurses, here are answers to frequently asked questions:

What is the role of a newborn nurse?

A newborn nurse provides care and support to infants in the early stages of their life. They offer medical care and fulfill their developmental needs to ensure your child’s well-being and healthy development.

What does a nurse do when a baby is born?

Nurses often perform a detailed physical exam on newborns to assess their condition and identify any birth injuries or issues. If they need to check further, they move the baby to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

How to become a nurse for newborn babies?

To become a nurse for newborn babies, you’ll need to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, secure a nursing license, obtain experience in the NICU, and earn certifications for neonatal nursing.

Tips for Infection Control in Pediatric Home Care

Posted on August 28, 2024August 28, 2024 by Jayve Senepete

Infection control is important in pediatric home care. It ensures that children with medical needs stay safe and healthy at home. After all, your child can have a compromised immune system or may be undergoing medical treatments that increase their vulnerability to infections. So, knowing the best practices medical professionals implement to control infections is important.

To help keep your home safe, below are valuable tips and strategies to enhance your child’s protection.

Understanding Infection Risks in Pediatric Home Care

The first step to preventing infections in pediatric home care is to know their sources. The most common viral and bacterial infections that affect children include:

Skin infections. Cuts or scratches on children’s skin can infect them with conditions like impetigo, cellulitis, and abscesses.
Throat infections. Bacterial pneumonia and bronchitis are infections that bacteria can cause in children’s lungs and airways. These infections could lead to cough, fever, and difficulty breathing.
Colds. Caused by various viruses, which manifest into symptoms like runny nose, sore throat, and cough.
Influenza (flu). This type of infection is caused by a virus that can spread through respiratory droplets. It’s characterized by high fever, body aches, cough, and fatigue.

Understanding these infection risks helps you and your child’s caregivers take the appropriate precautions to protect your child’s health and effectively manage potential threats.

Basic Infection Control Practices

Below are the best practices that medical providers implement to prevent infections during pediatric home support:

Hand Hygiene

Handwashing is one of the most effective methods for preventing infections in pediatric patients. It reduces organism transmission, which can help protect them against conditions like diarrhea and respiratory illnesses.

It’s advised that you wash your hands according to the following situations:

Before, during, and after food preparation
After eating
When arriving back home after going outside
After caring for or playing with pets
Before and after administering medication
Before and after handling medical equipment

Hand washing is most effective when you scrub your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. To enhance protection, you can also apply hand sanitizer after hand washing. It’s also a good alternative if you don’t have access to soap and water, as long as the hand sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol.

Cleaning and Disinfection

Cleaning and disinfection are important methods to implement to prevent infection in pediatric home support. Surfaces that need frequent cleaning include:

High-touch surfaces (ex. door knobs, light switches, countertops, etc.)
Personal items (ex. pacifiers, teething rings, etc.)
Toys

For high-touch surfaces, use disinfectant wipes or a disinfecting solution and a paper towel to clean. To prevent cross-contamination, use separate cleaning materials for surfaces that come in contact with food (e.g., countertops).

For toys and personal items, wash them in the dishwasher if they’re dishwasher-safe. Otherwise, use soap and water for cleaning. Afterward, ensure each item is thoroughly dried before returning it for your child’s use.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) can also help prevent infections during home nursing care. PPE protects you and your child’s nurses from exposure to body fluids and potentially infectious materials.

Examples of PPEs include:

Gowns
Gloves
Masks
Googles

To prevent contamination, store unused PPE in a clean, dry area. It’s also a good idea to keep them in their original containers until you need them.

Managing and Preventing Infections

Now that you’re aware of the best practices for preventing infection at home, here are steps you can take to manage and prevent its risks:

Monitoring Health

Knowing how to detect the early signs of infection can significantly reduce its risks. That said, it’s a good idea to develop and maintain a system of identifying symptoms during pediatric home care.

Some signs of infections you can watch out for include:

Fever
Rash
Cough
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Difficulty breathing

Regular visits to your child’s doctor can also help monitor their health and catch any potential infections.

Medication and Treatment

If your healthcare provider detects symptoms, they will prescribe your child antibiotics for bacterial infections and antivirals for viral infections. Make sure to use the medication as prescribed by your doctor to ensure its effectiveness and reduce the risk of resistance.

It’s also best to do regular follow-ups with pediatric health services. This way, they can evaluate the medication’s effectiveness and adjust your child’s treatment plan if needed. Also, don’t forget to watch out for any side effects of the medication. If you spot some, report them to your child’s doctor immediately.

Preventive Measures

Vaccines are a safe and effective method for building your child’s immunity against various serious diseases. To reduce the risk of infections, make sure your child’s immunizations are up-to-date. Ensure they get routine vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, and influenza.

Depending on your child’s condition, they may also need additional vaccines because of underlying health conditions. If this is the case, it’s best to consult their doctor for vaccination recommendations.

Choose Nursing Evolutions for Compassionate Home Care

Knowing how to control infections is an important aspect of pediatric home care. It helps protect your child from having their condition from exacerbating. That said, implementing strategies and best practices, such as proper hand hygiene and cleaning, are effective methods for keeping your home safe.

To ensure your medically fragile child’s safety and protection, consider talking with your child’s physician about a trusted pediatric care service like Nursing Evolutions. We provide outstanding, patient-centered nursing care based on literature-based practices. For more information, contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to your frequently asked questions to help you learn more about pediatric at-home care:

What are the situations in which home care commonly is used for children?

Pediatric home care is most common for children with chronic or severe conditions, such as cardiac disease, complications from prematurity, and neurodegenerative diseases.

What is the function of home care?

Pediatric at-home care aims to support children with medical needs, disabilities, or chronic conditions while allowing them to remain in a familiar and comfortable environment.

How to care for pediatric patients?

Caring for pediatric patients involves closely monitoring their medical needs, administering medication, and providing personalized therapies. It also ensures their comfort and emotional well-being are in good hands. It also includes ongoing communication with medical providers to adapt health care plans.

Managing Respiratory Distress in Preterm Infants

Posted on July 24, 2024July 24, 2024 by Jayve Senepete

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) occurs when a baby’s lungs aren’t fully developed, causing breathing problems. It’s a common issue for infants born prematurely, so nurses for newborns will need to provide them with extra oxygen and breathing help. To keep your baby safe and healthy, below are steps you can expect to manage RDS.

Causes and Risk Factors of Respiratory Distress Syndrome

The common cause of RDS is when the baby doesn’t have enough surfactant in their lungs. It is a liquid that helps keep their lungs inflated and prevents them from collapsing. An infant usually starts to produce surfactant between 24 – 28 weeks of pregnancy, where they usually produce enough to breathe normally by 34 weeks. So, the earlier your baby is born, the more they’re at risk of developing RDS. Other common causes for RDs include:

Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN)
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS)
Pneumonia and infections

Although most babies with RDS are premature, other factors also influence the risk of developing the disease, such as:

Siblings born with RDS
Cold stress
Underweight
Delivery complications (ex., cesarean section, perinatal asphyxia)
Maternal health conditions (ex., diabetes, infection)
Multiple births

Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis

The symptoms of RDS are immediately noticeable after birth. A child with this syndrome is believed to have blue-colored lips, toes, and fingers. It also has deep and rapid breathing, flaring of nostrils, grunting sounds when breathing, and chest retractions. To assess if your baby has RDS, doctors, and nurses for newborns perform tests such as chest x-rays, laboratory tests (ex., blood gases, CBC, and cultures), and echocardiography

Initial Stabilization and Management

Each baby will experience the symptoms differently, but they often peak 72 hours after birth before they get better. A registered nurse for babies may help stabilize your infant’s condition by:

Placing them in a neutral or slightly extended neck position to maintain an open airway.
Suctioning their mouth, nose, and pharynx to remove secretions that could block airways.
Attach a nasal cannula under your baby’s nostrils for non-invasive oxygen support.
Using a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine to provide extra breathing support.
Utilizing a ventilator to send air into your baby’s lungs.

Preterm babies with RDS often only need breathing support for a few days. But if your infant is born extremely preterm, they may need breathing support for a few weeks or months. It’s best to consult with your doctor about your baby’s treatment plan so you know what to expect.

Surfactant Replacement Therapy

If your baby’s RDS symptoms persist, children’s nurses and doctors may need to provide them with surfactant replacement therapy (SRT). It’s a treatment that delivers surfactant until your baby’s lungs mature enough to produce the liquid on its own. Doctors supply the surfactant through a breathing tube to ensure it goes into your baby’s lungs. Depending on the severity of their condition, your baby may need to get this procedure done several times.

Administering surfactants within 2 hours after your baby’s birth provides better results, including reducing air leaks and chronic lung disease. Although administering several hours after birth can still be beneficial, it’s less effective than early treatment for reducing complications and improving survival rates.

Complications and Additional Therapies

Babies with RDS often develop complications due to the side effects of the disease, so nurses for newborns may need to provide them with additional therapy. Common complications of RDS include:

Pneumothorax. Air leaks out of your baby’s lungs and gets trapped in their chest cavity. This can be treated by inserting a tube into their chest to release the air.
Internal bleeding. Your baby may have bleeding inside their brain and lungs. It’s quite common for preterm babies and can be treated with a ventilator.
Lung scarring. The ventilator or surfactant can cause lung scarring that can affect their development. Babies with severe lung scarring may need additional breathing support and medication to expand their airways to make breathing easier.
Pneumopericardium. Air leaks into the sac surrounding your baby’s heart. Healthcare professionals treat this by decompressing the air with a needle or inserting a catheter to drain the air.

Infants with RDS will also need higher nutritional requirements to aid development, so they often have an Intravenous Catheter (IV) to get fluids, nutrition, and medicine. Doctors may also prescribe them with antibiotics if they suspect an infection or to help ease your baby’s pain during treatment.

Prevention and Risk Reduction

Preventing a premature birth is the best way to reduce the risk of RDS. You can avoid a premature birth by getting frequent prenatal care throughout your term and avoiding smoking, alcohol, and illicit drugs. Additionally, seeking support from nurses for newborns can provide valuable guidance and care.

If you’ll likely have a preterm delivery, pediatric health services may prescribe you with corticosteroids. The medication will help promote faster lung development and surfactant production for your baby.

Long-Term Management and Follow-Up

With the right treatment and medication, babies with RDS may not experience long-term effects and may even improve their quality of life. However, if complications occur, your baby is at a higher risk of developing:

Asthma
Respiratory infections
Lung damage due to long-term ventilation
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia

In this case, talk to your pediatrician for advice on the long-term management of your baby’s condition. Depending on their symptoms, your baby may need further testing, like eye and hearing exams, to ensure RDS hasn’t affected their development. Long-term management can feel overwhelming and stressful for you and your family, so don’t be afraid to reach out to a professional therapist or support groups to seek encouragement and help with dealing with the emotional strain.

Final Thoughts

Respiratory Distress Syndrome can be challenging to navigate. If undetected and untreated early, it can cause complications that can affect your infant’s development. Fortunately, with the right treatment and care from reputable doctors and nurses for newborns, your baby’s condition can hopefully improve. If you need help managing your baby’s RDS, speak with your child’s physician about pediatric caregiving support services like Nursing Evolutions. Our top priority is to ensure the health and well-being of our patients. We provide you with the best possible care and safety for your baby.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to common questions to help you understand how a neonatal nurse can assist with your baby’s condition:

What do neonatal nurses do?

A neonatal nurse is a healthcare professional that specializes in caring for newborn babies.

What are the goals of a neonatal nurse?

A neonatal nurse’s goal is to ensure each baby is safe and comfortable. They also provide constant monitoring and care to medically fragile infants, including administering special feedings and medication to help stabilize their condition.