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
This presentation is provided by four members of the neonatal team. Liz Drake and Mindy Morris are neonatal nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists. Ginny McGill and Karin Mitchell are members of the developmental care team, a physical therapist and a speech language pathologist. All faculty imbue a passion for supporting the complexities of the neurodevelopmental processes that are occurring in the preterm neonate every day in the NICU and encouraging interactions that sustain the parent/infant bond.