Physiology Quiz: Body Temperature Regulation

Importance of Hospitalization

• Hospitalization is the admittance to the hospital as a patient, which can be a traumatic event.

Psychological Impact of Hospitalization

• Fear of losing control and independence
• Separation from peer group and embarrassment
• Anxiety regarding loss of independence (especially in adolescents)
• Concern about privacy (especially in adolescents)

Preparation for Hospitalization

• Proper preparation can make hospitalization a positive psychological experience
• Proper preparation can reduce fear and anxiety

Nursing Care

• The main goal of nursing care is to maintain health
• Five essential aspects of care:
  • Control of body temperature
  • Intake of adequate nourishment
  • Prevention of infection
  • Rest and sleep
  • Administering medications as prescribed (e.g. vitamin K, Aqua MEPHYTON or Konakion)

Medication Administration

• Vitamin K: 0.5-1 mg dose, administered once within 1-6 hours of birth
• Equipment needed: 1ml syringe, 25gauge 5/8 inch needle, alcohol sponges, and an ampule of Aqua MEPHYTON or Konakion

Preparation for Hospitalization

• Preparing the infant for hospitalization involves minimal preparation, packing special items like favorite toys and blankets, preventing infection, establishing an infant-parent relationship, and balancing rest and stimulation.

Purposes of Immediate Care of the Newborn

• The purposes of immediate care of the newborn include:
  • A (airway): ensuring the newborn's airway is clear
  • B (body temperature): maintaining the newborn's body temperature
  • C (check or assess the newborn): assessing the newborn's overall health
  • D (determined identification): ensuring the newborn's identification

APGAR Score Assessment

• The APGAR score assesses the newborn's:
  • Activity: active, spontaneous, or no movement
  • Pulse: >100 bpm, <100 bpm, or absent
  • Grimace: pulls away, sneezes, coughs, or no response with stimulation
  • Appearance: completely pink, acrocyanosis, or bluish-gray/pale
  • Respiration: good vigorous cry, slow/irregular, or absent

APGAR Score Interpretation

• APGAR score points indicate:
  • 0-3 points: the baby is in serious danger and needs immediate resuscitation
  • 4-6 points: the baby's condition is guarded and may need more extensive care
  • 7-10 points: the baby is considered healthy and in the best possible health

Eye Care

• Eye care involves instillation of Erythromycin or Tetracycline or Silver nitrate eye treatment to prevent ophthalmic infection of the newborn.

Foot Print or Identification

• The purpose of foot print or identification is to establish accurate identification of the newborn and ensure that each newborn is given to the right mother.

Fear of Hospitalization in Pre-Schoolers

• Pre-schoolers may fear hospitalization due to fear of damage to their body, fear of bodily harm or mutilation, and fear of intrusive procedures.