Common NICU conditions

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I am doing my capstone in the NICU and want to be as prepared as possible. Can anyone tell me any common conditions seen in the NICU so I can look them up and have a good idea of what I may see when I start.

Thanks!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, NICU.

For starters, I would research the different gestational ages, from 23 weeks to 40 weeks. A 24-weeker is different from a 28-weeker who is different from a 32-weeker. For conditions, here are a few of the common ones:

- respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)

- transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN)

- meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS)

- pneumonia

- choreoamnionitis

- sepsis/meningitis

- gastroschisis

- omphalocele

- tracheoesophageal fistula

- hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)

- necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)

- congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH)

- neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)

Enjoy your capstone! :)

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Specializes in ICU.

Great list ^

A couple others:

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN)

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)

What's surfactant, when/why/how do you give it?

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Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care.

If that list isn't big enough, I would also add in the changes from fetal blood circulation that happen after birth and things like PFOs or PDAs and what happens if they don't close.

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Specializes in NICU.

^those

A's and B's... AOP apnea of prematurity. Bradycardia "brady"

Reflux, GER

Learn what a normal newborn assessment is, it helps you notice what's abnormal.

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Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care.

So many acronyms.

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Specializes in NICU.

ROP- Retinopathy of Prematurity

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Just wanted to drop a quick thank you to you all. I've been doing really well in my capstone and my preceptor even told me to use her as a reference when I apply. I appreciate all of your help!

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