Neurodevelopment, Protection & Management Bundle

This is a series of seven presentations describing and supporting strategies related to the complexities of preterm neurodevelopment in the NICU.

The presentations include:

  • Neurodevelopmental Risks, Outcomes, and Neuroprotection
  • Brain and Neurosensory Development
  • The Effects of Pain & Stress on the Developing Brain
  • Non-pharmacologic Management of Pain & Stress
  • Positioning for Optimal Outcomes (including video positioning simulation)
  • Kangaroo Care (including simulated standing transfer)
  • Pre-feeding Strategies for Positive Oral Experience
  • Neurodevelopmental Management QI Considerations

Objectives:

1. Identify two anatomic structures or features of the preterm infant brain that increase the risk of brain injury.

2. List two morbidities that potentially increase long-term neurodevelopmental risks for premature infants.

3. Describe the prevalence of long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae in premature infants.

4. Name two neuroprotective practices to implement in the care of the small baby to prevent intraventricular hemorrhage.

5. Identify two care strategies to improve neurodevelopmental protection for small babies.

6. Discuss two implications of the fetus’s in-utero sensory experience.

7. Describe the importance of the critical period for the developing sensory system.

8. Explain one purpose of each component of the Limbic system.

9. Describe two physiologic and two behavioral pain or stress responses in the premature neonate.

10. Explain the potential changes to the premature brain with exposure to stress and pain.

11. Identify three possible long-term effects from exposure to stress and pain in the NICU.

12. State two care strategies to minimize stress and pain in the premature infant.

13. Describe three positive caregiving opportunities to enhance state organization and promote self-calming for the premature infant.

14. Identify two evidence-based practices to perform during required painful procedures to protect the premature infant.

15. Describe the importance of intrauterine positioning in musculoskeletal development and function.

16. Explain positioning morbidities and their functional limitations.

17. Describe two ways to promote positioning calmness and behavioral and physiological regulation.

18. List three clinical or physiologic benefits for performing skin to skin care with premature infants.

19. Describe three steps to prepare prior to performing skin to skin that optimize the experience for the parent and their premature infant.

20. Discuss two psychosocial impacts of skin to skin on the parental experience.

21. Describe two ways a baby is developing feeding skills in utero.

22. Identify three neonatal experiences in the NICU that can negatively affect the premature infant's future feeding skills.

23. Describe three pre-feeding techniques to facilitate the foundation for positive oral feeding skills.

Total CE = 10

NCC Codes: NNP 1 = 1; 2 = 5; 3 = 4; or 7

NCC Codes: NIC 1 = 4; NIC 2 = 5; 3 = 1; or 7

NCC Codes: LRN 2 = 7.5; LRN 3 = 2.5; or 7

Rx possible = 0.5

*These presentations were included in the Small Baby Care Specialist® Program

Last updated: January 2022


Your Instructor


Various Interdisciplinary NICU Team
Various Interdisciplinary NICU Team

This presentation is provided by an interdisciplinary neonatal team including physicians, advance practice nurses, physical therapy, and speech therapy.


Course Curriculum


  Instructions and Handouts
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Neurodevelopmental Management QI Considerations & Suggested Reading
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Evaluation
Available in days
days after you enroll

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts as soon as you enroll. You will have access to this course (videos) for two months. Please be sure to download lecture handouts for ongoing access to the content presented. You must complete and submit the Evaluation at the end of the course to receive CE.
How can I communicate any questions, comments, or feedback?
We would love to hear from you. Please e-mail us at: [email protected]

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