Date of Award
2013
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Committee Chair
Vickie Walker
Abstract
Late preterm infants are those infants born between 34 weeks and 36 and 6/7 weeks gestation. They are generally the same weight and appearance of full term infants and are treated in level 1 or well baby nurseries the same as full term infants. Late preterm infants are not as physiologically mature as full term infants and have problems that may go overlooked. Late preterm infants experience complications such as hypothermia, hypoglycemia, respiratory difficulties, and feeding problems that lead to hyperbilirubinemia. These complications can lead to longer hospital stays or readmissions and higher healthcare costs. It is the purpose of this study to determine if hypothermia in the late preterm population can be decreased as a result of prolonged monitoring during the initial transition time immediately following birth. Clinical guidelines for care of the late preterm infant need to be developed and the results of this study will help assist in that need.
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Citation Information
Lane, Sandi, "The late preterm infant: How much transition time is needed to prevent hypothermia?" (2013). Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects. 65.
https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/nursing_etd/65