Question

1. You are caring for a premature neonate with RDS. The neonate is prescribed beractant (Survanta) intratracheally. What are the most essential nursing considerations for this patient? Why

2. You are caring for a 66-year-old patient with a diagnosis of COPD. The patient uses an ipratropium (Atrovent) inhaler four times daily. What nursing considerations are most important for this patient? Why?

3. Which laxative is the drug of choice for an older adult? Why is this the best choice?

4. Explain the function of the vomiting reflex. Name three factors that stimulate the vomiting reflex. How does the autonomic nervous system control GI activity?

5.How does the autonomic nervous system control GI activity?

Answer 1

Respiratory Distress Syndrome refers to a condition in which the lungs formed are immature in neonates. This occurs due to the insufficient development of the pulmonary surfactant. This results in difficulty in breathing.

When such a condition occurs in an infant the condition is called as Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome or neonate Respiratory Distress Syndrome or hyline membrane disease. Sometimes, this condition may occur as a result of genetic mutation. Other causes may include inhalation of toxic substances, infection of the lungs.

Signs and symptoms:

Fever

Headache

Breathing rapidly

Weakness

Discolored nails and skin

Nursing considerations:

Give the dose of beractant as prescribed by the doctor

Monitor the neonate for any complications arising from therapy

Follow any other instructions given by the doctors such as feeding restrictions

Closely monitor the patient's heart rate because beractant can cause hypotention and transient bradycardia.

Monitor the patient's oxygen saturation and arterial blood gas because beractant can cause hyperoxia and hypocarbia.

Monitor chest movements to rule out apnea which is one of the side effects of beractant administration.

Explanation:

Beractant can cause decrease heart rate and cause hypotention after being administered. It can also interfere with blood gas levels by causing hyperoxia and hypocarbia. In some cases, it causes a transient cessation of breathing (apnea). All this can be fatal if not corrected thus the above nursing considerations should be taken.

Reference:

NW Newborn Drug Protocol - Beractant Administration

http://www.survanta.com/dosing-procedure

http://www.adhb.govt.nz/newborn/drugprotocols/BeractantAdministration.htm

Note: Answering to many questions is against to HOMEWORKLIB RULESS.