Question
How should nursing care be provided for newborn swallowing syndrome? What happens if a newborn is unable to eat after birth, and what should be done for the care?
Answer
Newborn swallowing syndrome refers to a condition where the newborn, during the birthing process, inhales amniotic fluid, maternal blood, or vaginal discharge, especially substances contaminated with meconium or bacteria, leading to vomiting and stimulating the gastric mucosa, causing excessive secretion of gastric acid and mucus. This condition is common in infants born through difficult labor or asphyxia, with vomiting usually being most apparent within 1 to 2 days after birth. Mild symptoms may resolve within 1 to 2 days. For infants with mild symptoms, it is recommended to observe their mental state. If they have a good mental response and vomiting is not severe, they can be temporarily fasting and given small amounts of warm water multiple times. If the infant’s mental response is poor, vomiting occurs frequently, and they are unable to drink water, it is advisable to seek medical treatment, which may require the use of saline lavage for the stomach.