Accurate Weight Measurement for Neonates

Poster PresentationPurpose for the ProgramTo improve patient outcomes and quality of care by assessing accurate weight loss of newborns who are predominantly breastfed.Proposed ChangeTo change practice to have all newborns weighed every 24 hours from time of birth at the hospital until discharge.Implementation, Outcomes, and EvaluationExcess weight loss is common in term breastfed newborns. There are several modifiable risk factors that can affect the amount of weight loss that can occur in the first 24 to 48 hours of life in newborns. This makes it extremely important for health care professionals to have an accurate weight to establish the best plan of care.Improving rates of breastfeeding exclusivity and duration is a focus of the mother/infant unit and part of attaining Baby Friendly status. Nurses on the mother/infant unit identified increased supplementation being ordered because of weight loss. Every infant regardless of birth time was weighed on the night shift. Literature was collected to identify risk factors that could influence weight loss in newborns. A decision was made to change practice to all newborns being weighed every 24 hours from delivery time. Practice change can always be challenging. Nurse leaders met with physician leaders to elicit their support. Although there were some reservations about not always having weights at rounding, they began to support the change. Nurses were concerned about the added workload on all shifts. Feedback was encouraged fro...
Source: Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing - Category: Nursing Authors: Tags: Newborn Care Source Type: research