NEONATAL SEPSIS

Neonatal Sepsis on the other hand is an infection in the blood that spreads throughout the body and occurs in a neonate. Neonatal Sepsis is also

termed as Neonatal Septicemia and Sepsis Neonatorum. Neonatal Sepsis has 2 types: The one that is seen in the first week of life is termed as Early-

onset sepsis and most often appears in the first 24 hours of life. The infection is often acquired from the mother. This can be cause by a bacteria or

infection acquired by the mother during her pregnancy, a Preterm delivery, Rupture of membranes (placenta tissue) that lasts longer than 24 hours,

Infection of the placenta tissues and amniotic fluid (chorioamnionitis) and frequent vaginal examinations during labor. The second type or the Late-

onset Sepsis is acquired after delivery. This can be cause by contaminated hospital equipment, exposure to medicines that lead to antibiotic

resistance, having a catheter in a blood vessel for a long time, staying in the hospital for an extended period of time. Signs and symptoms of Neonatal

Sepsis includes but is not limited to: body temperature changes, breathing problems, diarrhea, low blood sugar, reduced movements, reduced

sucking, seizures, slow heart rate, swollen belly area, vomiting, yellow skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice). Possible complications are disability

and worst is death of the neonate. (Greene, 2007)

An in-depth study about Neonatal Sepsis is so important for a nurse most especially if the nurse is working in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or the

NICU department. A nurse should be properly educated regarding the cause of the neonatal sepsis, how it is acquired and prevented, its

complications, and etc. to prevent the occurrence of late-onset neonatal sepsis.

Nursing care management:

Monitor neonate’s condition

Monitor vital signs (note for any abnormalities)

Do not share equipment with other infants.

Assess skin in changes in color, temperature and moisture

Provide a quiet, restful atmosphere

Administer oxygen as ordered

Check intake output such as: fluid/liquid, urine, BM, vomit

DRUG NAME CLASSIFICATION ACTION INDICATION CONTRA-INDICATION ADVERSE NURSING

REACTION RESPONSIBILITIES
GENERIC NAME Central Nervous Depressant & anti Short treatment - Hypersensitivity Dizziness, -assess for respiratory
Phenobarbital system convulsant effects of insomia; to barbiturates, headache, depression when using
Depressant may long term porphyria, confusion, IV drug
be r/t its treatment of pregnancy, existing pain,
ability to increase generalized severe renal, hypotension, -assess for fever, sore
&/or tonic-clonic hepatic or resp bradycardia, GI throat, rush, jaundice
mimic the inhibitors and cortical impairment and disturbance,
activity of GABA on focal seizures; porphyria allergic reaction - instruct the SO of the
nerve impulse emergency patient that full effects
(depress CNS control of acute may not occurs for 2-3
synaptic convulsion; wks excepts when
transmission preanesthetic loading dose is used.
& increase seizures sedation
activity threshold in -advice the SO of the
the motor cortex). patient to change
position slowly to
prevent orthostatic
hypotension.
-perform hand washing
in giving medication.

-observe 10 rights in
giving medication.
SAMPAGA, ELISA JARHA B.
BSN 302 A
GROUP AUTONOMY

MS. LIMUACO