Question
What aspects are included in the nursing diagnosis of neonatal asphyxia? How do doctors in hospitals provide care for infants experiencing asphyxia, and what treatments and preventive measures are taken?
Answer
Neonatal asphyxia refers to a condition caused by various etiologies during prenatal, intrapartum, or postpartum periods, leading to fetal hypoxia within the uterus or during the birthing process. This can result in intrauterine distress or respiratory and circulatory disorders during delivery, causing the newborn to lack spontaneous breathing or establish regular breathing within one minute after birth. The primary pathophysiological changes include hypoxemia, hypercapnia, and acidosis. The focus of the nursing diagnosis is on:
- Thoroughly clearing respiratory secretions to ensure airway patency.
- Establishing respiration and increasing ventilation to improve oxygenation.
- Maintaining normal circulation to ensure sufficient cardiac output to support the physiological needs of the newborn. Measures for treating and preventing neonatal asphyxia include: