Nursing care of Low Birth Weight Premature Infant with Respiratory Distress Syndrome: 2 Case study

Abstract

This study aims to compare two case studies of premature infants with low birth weight and respiratory distress syndrome who were treated in the neonatal ward sick new born (SNB) at Mahasarakham Hospital between May and August 2024. The tools used in the study included: 1) general information questionnaire, 2) evaluation form for standard care of premature low birth weight infants with respiratory distress syndrome, and 3) educational plan for mothers/caregivers on the care of premature infants. Data were collected from medical records, organized, analyzed, and compared in terms of general information, treatment plans, nursing diagnoses, and nursing care over time.

Case study 1 involved a female infant born at 32+4 weeks gestation with a birth weight of 1,380 grams. The Apgar score was 5 at 1 minute and 5 at 5 minutes. The infant was intubated and developed respiratory failure. During treatment, the infant experienced hypothermia, hypoglycemia, anemia, and septic shock. An ultrasound of the brain revealed grade 1 intraventricular hemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia. The infant was on a ventilator for 10 days and was treated in the NICU for 36 days. After stabilization, the infant was transferred to the general neonatal unit for tube feeding and breastfeeding training. The total hospitalization was 44 days, and the infant’s weight at discharge was 1,800 grams.

Case study 2 involved a male infant born at 30+6 weeks gestation with a birth weight of 1,420 grams. The Apgar score was 6 at 1 minute and 8 at 5 minutes. The infant was intubated and later developed respiratory failure. Similar to case 1, the infant experienced hypothermia, hypoglycemia, Jaundice, anemia, Sepsis and septic shock. The brain ultrasound showed grade 1 intraventricular hemorrhage. The infant was treated in the NICU for 16 days and was later transferred to the general neonatal unit for tube feeding and breastfeeding training. The total hospitalization was 26 days, and the infant’s weight at discharge was 1,810 grams.

In conclusion, the two case studies demonstrated similarities in the medical conditions, treatment plans, and critical care management. The care process for these vulnerable infants requires expertise and adherence to high nursing standards, ensuring timely and accurate assessment, quick intervention, and the availability of necessary equipment. This approach results in faster recovery, safety, and the prevention of complications, contributing to the infants’ growth and development at an appropriate rate.