Assessment Description 1)Describe the effect of extremely low birth weight babies on the family and community. Consider short-term and long-term impacts, socioeconomic implications, the need for ongoi

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Introduction:

As a medical professor responsible for designing and evaluating assignments for medical college students, I have prepared a response to the two questions provided in the assessment. The first question requires an understanding of the impact of extremely low birth weight babies on families and communities, including the socio-economic implications and the need for ongoing care. Additionally, it requires an explanation of how disparities in ethnic and cultural groups contribute to low-birth-weight babies and the identification of a support service in the community to assist with preterm infants and their families. The second question requires a description of the developmental markers that a nurse should assess for a 9-month-old female infant and recommendations to give the mother based on evidence-based practice.

Question 1:

The birth of an extremely low birth weight baby (ELBW) can have significant short-term and long-term impacts on the family and community. Short-term impacts include increased medical expenses, emotional distress, disruption to family dynamics, and a prolonged stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Long-term impacts may include developmental delays, cognitive deficits, and chronic health problems. Furthermore, the ELBW baby’s socio-economic implications may include increased medical expenses, decreased family income, and decreased parental employment. In addition, comorbidities associated with prematurity are common in ELBW babies, such as respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, and sepsis.

Disparities relative to ethnic and cultural groups may contribute to low-birth-weight babies as some environmental factors adversely affect certain groups. For instance, some cultures may have specific dietary restrictions or preferences contributing to inadequate nutrition. Additionally, certain ethnic groups may have higher rates of maternal smoking or maternal obesity, leading to lower birth weight.

One support service within the community to assist with preterm infants and their families is the March of Dimes. The organization helps in reducing premature birth and increasing the quality of care available to mothers and their infants. It provides information and resources, advocacy, research, and support services for families. The organization adequately addresses the needs of the community by ensuring mothers have access to proper prenatal care, promoting healthy lifestyles, and providing emotional and financial support for families.

Reference:

March of Dimes. (2021). About us. https://www.marchofdimes.org/about-us.aspx

Question 2:

For a 9-month-old female infant, the nurse should assess the infant’s developmental markers, such as physical development (weight, height, and head circumference), motor skills, language development, and social-emotional development. The weight, height, and head circumference of the infant should be measured and compared to the CDC growth chart to ensure that the infant is growing appropriately. The nurse should also observe the infant’s motor skills by assessing if the infant can roll over, sit alone, crawl, or pull themselves to stand.

Based on evidence-based practice, the following recommendations should be given to the mother:

1. Encourage the mother to continue breastfeeding, as it is one of the primary ways to provide optimal nutrition and support the infant’s growth.

2. Encourage the mother to ensure that the infant receives regular well-baby visits to monitor growth, developmental milestones, and immunizations.

3. Encourage the mother to create a safe and stimulating environment for the infant to enhance their motor and cognitive development.

4. Encourage the mother to read to the infant and engage in interactive play to promote language development and social-emotional development.

Reference:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Growth charts. https://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts/index.htm