In this chapter you will learn about the following: Describe the basic structure of the legal system in the United States, relate how laws affect the paramedic’s practice, list situations that a paramedic is legally required to report in most states, describe the four elements involved in a claim of negligence, describe measures paramedics may take to protect themselves from claims of negligence. | 9/11/2012 1 Chapter 47 Neonatal Care 2 Learning Objectives • Identify risk factors associated with the need for neonatal resuscitation. • Describe physiological adaptations at birth. • Describe pathophysiology and implications of selected genetic anomalies present in some neonates. • Outline the prehospital assessment and management of the neonate. • Describe resuscitation of the distressed neonate. 3 Copyright © 2013 by Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC, an Ascend Learning Company 1 9/11/2012 Learning Objectives • Discuss postresuscitative management and transport. • Describe signs and symptoms and prehospital management of specific neonatal resuscitation situations. • Identify injuries associated with birth. • Describe appropriate interventions to manage the emotional needs of the neonate’s family. 4 Risk Factors Associated with the Need for Resuscitation • Vast majority of term newborns require no resuscitation beyond – Maintenance of temperature – Suctioning of airway – Mild stimulation 5 Risk Factors Associated with the Need for Resuscitation • Incidence of complications increase as birth weight decreases – Resuscitation required for ≈ 80 percent of 30,000 babies weighing less than 1500 g ( lb) at birth 6 Copyright © 2013 by Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC, an Ascend Learning Company 2 9/11/2012 Risk Factors Associated with the Need for Resuscitation • Average term newborn weighs ≈ 3600 g ( lb) • Birth weight depends on – Size and racial origin parents • Small parents tend to have small babies • Asian babies tend to be smaller than Caucasian babies 7 Risk Factors Associated with the Need for Resuscitation • Newborn boys usually weigh ≈ 8 oz more than baby girls • Causes of low birth weight – Premature birth – Undernourishment in uterus – Certain maternal factors • Preeclampsia • Cigarette smoking during pregnancy 8 Risk Factors Associated with the Need for Resuscitation • .
