Title: Differentiate between the appearance of a normal newborn and a preterm newborn.
Course: Practical Nursing III (14052-III) > Section: Examining the Nursing Process for the Maternal and Newborn Client

Differentiation should include

- explaining the systems of the normal newborn and the preterm newborn
- identifying special care needs of the preterm infant
- identifying common conditions related to preterm infants.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What are the differences between the systems of the normal newborn and the preterm newborn?
- How is the Ballard Score used to assess gestational age?
- What are the steps in the nursing process to care for the preterm infant?
- What are the factors that contribute to prematurity, including diabetes, multiple births, malnutrition, and genetic factors?
- How would one describe conditions related to prematurity, such as
  - infant respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
  - atelectasis
  - apnea
  - sepsis
  - retinopathy
  - jaundice?
- How would one develop a plan of care for the preterm infant that includes phototherapy, thermoregulation, nutrition, positioning, and skin care?
- What psychological, social, and cultural factors relate to parenting the preterm infant?