Renal Development, Function and Preterm Neonate Characteristics
The renal developmental process is complex. Preterm neonatal renal immaturity has a profound impact on clinical management strategies and long-term outcomes as 60% of nephrogenesis occurs during the third trimester, therefore this process must continue in the course of NICU care. This presentation describes renal development and the particular challenges renal immaturity poses to the preterm neonate.
Objectives:
1. State two functions of the kidney.
2. Describe two characteristics of renal development that place the preterm neonate at risk for poor renal function.
3. Define Acute Kidney Injury (AKI).
Total CE 1.5
NCC Code NNP 2 or 7 = 1.5
NCC Code NIC 2 or 7 = 1.5
NCC Code LRN 3 or 7 = 1.5
Rx = 0.4
*This presentation was included in the Small Baby Care Specialist® Program
Last updated: October, 2021
Your Instructor
Mindy is a doctoral prepared neonatal clinician with an aptitude for application of evidence into practice. She has experienced and mastered many roles working in the NICU for over 30 years. She has first-authored two papers demonstrating the application of evidence into practice with positive clinical outcomes while supporting a team-based approach to care. Her foundational core is an enthusiasm for quality and improving the patient, family, and team experience in the NICU. She is a faculty member for the Vermont Oxford Network (VON) Quality Improvement Collaborative, Micropremature Homeroom. Care of the Extremely Low Birth Weight Infant is Mindy’s ardent focus. Her respect for the resiliency of the ELBW infant inspires her to share her extensive knowledge and expertise by designing programs and tools to improve the multidisciplinary team’s model of care for this vulnerable population.