NRS-434VN Health Assessment GCU Topic 1 DQ 1

NRS-434VN Health Assessment GCU Topic 1 DQ 1

Assessment Description

Discuss the impact of infants with extremely low birth weight on both the family and the community. Examine the short-term and long-term consequences, the socioeconomic implications, the necessity for continuous care, and the comorbidities associated with prematurity. Analyze how disparities related to ethnic and cultural groups can contribute to the occurrence of low-birth-weight infants. Identify a support service within your local community that aids preterm infants and their families and elucidate how this service effectively addresses the community’s needs or the needs of a specific population within your community. Include the resource link in your post.

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Infants with extremely low birth weight (less than 1000 grams) have a distinct impact on both families and society. Parents of such infants often undergo a range of emotions and stages of grief, from denial to acceptance. These infants are born with numerous complications, some of which may not have a positive long-term outcome, along with other developmental challenges and congenital abnormalities like congenital heart diseases.

Furthermore, the strain on marital relationships brought about by the birth of an extremely low birth weight infant can be overwhelming and, if not anticipated early in the infant’s life, may even lead to divorce. From a socioeconomic perspective, these infants create financial stress for parents, communities, and governments due to the costs associated with their hospitalization and overall care. Reports indicate that in the United States, the cost of caring for extremely premature infants can exceed $100,000, while moderate prematurity can cost between $10,000 and $30,000, and late prematurity less than $4,500. Ethnic and cultural disparities can contribute to low birth weight due to differences in cultural beliefs and lifestyle choices during pregnancy. Many ethnic groups have a high incidence of hypertension during pregnancy, diabetes, and other chronic conditions, which are risk factors for low birth weight but are often neglected during pregnancy, as observed in a study conducted by the University of Washington School of Public Health. The study’s findings closely mirror real-world situations.

Some of the support organizations for preterm infants and their families include the Grahams Foundation and March of Dimes. These organizations offer community services such as education and informational resources to empower parents of preterm infants as they navigate the challenges associated with extremely low birth weight infants.

References

Johnston KM, Gooch K, Korol E, Vo P, Eyawo O, Bradt P, et al. The economic burden of prematurity in Canada. BMC Pediatr. 2016 Apr 5. 14:93. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].

Racial and ethnic disparities in low birth weight differ by maternal birthplace. Washington School of Health (Ed. 2017). Retrieved from: [https://sph.washington.edu/news-events/news/racial-and-ethnic-disparities-low-birth-weight-differ-maternal-birthplace](https://sph.washington.edu/news-events/news/racial-and-ethnic-disparities-low-birth-weight-differ-maternal-birthplace).

NRS-434VN Health Assessment GCU Topic 1 DQ 1 Sample 2

Low birth weight infants are influenced by various factors, including environmental and genetic factors. Maternal exposure to environmental toxins is another factor that can lead to low birth weight. Toxins such as tobacco consumption during pregnancy, illicit drug use, and alcohol consumption can increase the risk of low birth weight infants. It’s important to note that low birth weight infants can be born either at term or before term. While the majority of low birth weight infants do not experience long-term deficits, they do have a higher likelihood of infections, illnesses, and compromised immune systems.

Different cultures have different approaches to prenatal care, and as nurses, it’s crucial to be knowledgeable about these cultural differences. Some mothers, due to their lifestyle or lack of awareness of pregnancy, may not receive adequate prenatal care. One crucial support service available for low birth weight infants is the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Contrary to the misconception that NICU is only for premature infants, it also serves full-term infants requiring cautious care and those born with substance abuse addiction or going through withdrawal. NICU provides comprehensive monitoring and fosters stronger bonds with both the infant and their family members.

References

Hack, M., Klein, N. K., & Taylor, H. G. (1995). Long-term developmental outcomes of low birth weight infants. The Future of Children, 5(1), 176–196.

Grand Canyon University (Ed). (2018). Health assessment: Foundations for effective practice. Retrieved from https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs434vn/health-assessment-foundations-for-effective-practice/v1.1/