NRS 434 Describe the effect of extremely low birth weight babies on the family and community
NRS 434 Health Assessment
NRS 434 Describe the effect of extremely low birth weight babies on the family and community
The majority of extremely low birth weight infants are premature newborns. They are usually born at 27 weeks or less gestation. Infants weighing less than 1,500g are considered extremely low birth weight (James, Wood, Nair & Williams, 2018).
The impact of extremely low birth weight babies on their families and communities
It is estimated that approximately 40% of babies born with extremely low birth weight will develop various disease conditions. Blindness in both eyes, hearing loss, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, chronic disease requiring special medications, and frequent hospitalization are examples of such diseases. Low-birth-weight babies come at a financial and emotional cost to their families. Furthermore, the public sector services such as health insurance, education, and social support are being strained as a result of low-birth-weight babies.
Short- and long-term consequences of low birth weight
Because of the high risk of readmission, babies with low birth weight require life support in the neonatal care unit. This is due to the babies’ immature brains and respiratory distress, necessitating the use of ventilators. Long-term consequences of low birth weight babies include poor health and growth, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and visual and hearing impairment. Premature babies have learning disabilities, a high risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, as well as socioemotional and behavioral issues.
How ethnic and cultural differences contribute to low birth weight
Infants from minority groups, the marginalized, and the poor are particularly vulnerable to premature and extremely low birth weights. Native Americans and African Americans to non-Hispanic white births are two examples of disparities among minority populations. Infants born to low-income mothers, such as African Americans, are more likely to be born prematurely.
Determine one community resource to assist preterm infants and their families.
At 9, 18, and 30 months, healthcare providers can perform a developmental screening using evidence-based tools. A general screening should also be performed once a month. Preterm babies should have their developmental milestones closely monitored. Hypertonia, reflexes, abnormal movement, and posture should be prioritized.
Conclusion
Healthcare workers and the general public can be educated on the public health implications of preterm birth and extremely low birth weight.
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Hello there, Stanley. Thank you for submitting your work. I agree that extremely low birth weight babies have delayed development.
NRS 434 Explain the impact of extremely low birth weight babies on families and communities.
In the short term, this results in learning disabilities in the long term. The child may require more time and attention, affecting family function and possibly resulting in financial constraints. People’s socioeconomic background, environment, and ethnicity all have an impact on their pregnancy, because ethnic minorities may lack access to good health care and nutrition. Early nutrition is important for the baby’s growth and development (Green, 2018). It is also critical for nurses to assist families with premature babies in locating resources and support groups to assist them in caring for low birth weight babies after discharge. What are your thoughts on this?
Reference
S. Z. Green (2018). The infant’s health is being evaluated. Dynamics in Nursing: Art and Science of Professional Practice, edited by Grand Canyon University. https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs434vn/health-assessment-foundations-for-effective-practice/v1.1/#/chapter/1
Hello there, Stanely. I am impressed by the amount of thought you have put into this. In any case, the effects of low birth weight are heavy on the parents. From a financial standpoint, I believe that most parents are forced to quit their jobs in order to be with their children. In this case, the financial burden is passed on to the next available family member. Mentally, it affects the parents because the joy of having a child is taken away. I agree with your points, and I must say that diver-station is one of the consequences of low birth weight.
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Have you ever collaborated with Social Workers to assist patients in locating resources?
A normal birth weight is 2 500 g; anything less is considered low birth weight. It is further classified as very low (-1500) and extremely low (less than 1000 g) (WHO). Abortion, congenital abnormalities, prematurity, low birth weight, and fetal deaths can all be caused by maternal environmental exposure (American College of Obs &Gyne, 2013: Scotland et al.,2013). Low birth weight babies have a significant impact on the family; they require tender care, and parents may develop a poor attachment to the child. They come with increased costs that put a strain on the household budget for basic needs and care. As parents take more unpaid time off to be with their child, the family’s functionality may suffer. As a result of their prolonged hospital stays, they experience increased social isolation, putting stress on their families and, ultimately, the community.
Babies born with low birth weight are a significant public health indicator of maternal health, nutrition, and poverty. This is due to the fact that they are associated with long-term neuro-disability, impaired speech development, and an increased risk of chronic illnesses. Respiratory distress, intracranial hemorrhage, sepsis, and blindness are all associated conditions. Preterm births are the leading cause of death among children under the age of five worldwide.
Graham’s foundation was established after the parents of twin preterm babies lost one of them and named it after him. It guides, supports, and educates parents of premature babies while they are still in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), as well as after they leave the NICU. This empowers parents and helps them achieve better outcomes for themselves and their children. In the event of a loss, the foundation will help with the healing process and the transition back home.