Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing Commons^™

Breast Milk Versus Formula Feeding In The Development Of Necrotizing Enterocolitis Among Nicu Infants: An Integrative Review, Mackenzie Jameson, Faye Li, Liudmila Ryzhova, Mia Smith

Master's Projects

Introduction/Question: NEC is a serious condition characterized by the death of intestinal tissue, primarily affecting premature infants or those with low birth weight. The incidence of NEC poses a significant concern in neonatal healthcare due to its substantial mortality risk, particularly among vulnerable populations. This condition can lead to various complications, including sepsis, nutritional deficiencies, delays in growth and development, and, in severe cases, death. NEC not only impacts the health of the infant but also affects the emotional well-being and bonding experiences of parents. Despite advancements in neonatal care, the rate of NEC has increased, highlighting the need …

Munchausen Syndrome By Proxy Presentation, Giovanna Tomassoni, Meredith Mackenzie

Master's Projects

Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) is a serious form of child abuse in which the perpetrator is typically the victim’s maternal caregiver. Assessing for MSBP can be very challenging for medical providers due to symptom mimicry and a dearth of information about the disorder. This Integrative Review seeks to shine a light on common symptomatology of MSBP and to make sure that providers leave it on the differential diagnosis until alternative diagnoses can effectively exclude it. A total of 240 records from online databases were reviewing for content, currency, and rigor. This search was narrowed to 10 records for in-depth …

Decreasing The Risk For Type Ii Diabetes After Gestational Diabetes: An Integrative Review, Tara Call, Melissa Field

Master of Science in Nursing Final Projects

Abstract

Aim: This integrative review aimed to review studies on the risk of developing type II diabetes (T2DM) after a diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and available programs to mitigate this risk. The research question that guided this review was: For women diagnosed with gestational diabetes, what programs are available to decrease risk factors for developing T2DM later in life?

Background: Women who experience GDM have an increased risk of developing T2DM at a rate of eight times higher than those with no history of GDM (Song et al., 2017). The risk for T2DM after a diagnosis of GDM …

Postpartum Health And Wellbeing, Tamara Black

Symposium of Student Scholars

Our project is testing the stress levels of women in postpartum. We developed surveys for women who have recently given birth and then do a two finger stress test.

Protocols For Postpartum Hemorrhage, Jackleen Chambers

Symposium of Student Scholars

The occurrence of postpartum hemorrhages (PH) within the healthcare system are on the rise. The detrimental effects that can occur are extremely serious and require an intervention of education and proper training. Labor and delivery units experience traumatic PHs due to lack of proper training regarding early warning signs and correct technical interventions needed for a quick turnaround. This project will use research from scholarly articles to take a closer look at statistical evidence based on the outcomes of being prepared versus underprepared. The project will discuss various methods on how to better prepare nurses to care for hemorrhagic situations. …

Postpartum Depression For Mothers With Early Fetal Death Or Stillbirths, Callie Goldman

Symposium of Student Scholars

Background: Many times, prevention of early fetus death and stillbirths is possible; however, some mortality events are spontaneous or unavoidable. While existing research reveals the likelihood of postpartum depression for mothers following birth, few studies address the potential for postpartum depression of mothers of stillbirth or demised fetuses. The purpose of this study is to determine how mothers can be better prepared for the hardship of losing a baby during childbirth, while going through common difficulties, such as postpartum depression, following birth. Methods: A mixed method approach will be conducted to gather qualitative (interview) and quantitative (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale …

Improving Discharge Planning In The Nicu, Jessica Fleming

Symposium of Student Scholars

The birth of a child is an exciting time for parents. They spend months preparing for the arrival of their baby, but parents aren’t prepared for complications that can occur at birth. Events such as early arrival or respiratory issues can result in a newborn being admitted to the NICU. This can create stress and anxiety for parents. Once a child is admitted to the NICU, it is important that discharge planning and education begin promptly, to alleviate parental distress, prepare them to care for their child upon discharge, and improve patient outcome, but some NICUs struggle to provide and …

Effectiveness Of Non-Pharmacological Interventions When Treating Postpartum Depression In First-Time Mothers, Rudy Trujillo, Tamantha Minton-Damm, Ashley Muntean, Natalia Lack

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

Non-pharmacological intervention alone or paired with pharmacological interventions is somewhat effective in treating and lowering rates of postpartum depression (PPD) in women. Undergraduate students reviewed studies of the use of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for postpartum depression. To narrow down results, the students based the review on studies completed within the last 10 years, focusing specifically on primiparas (first births) women. Responses ranged from no notable efficacy in reducing PPD measured against the Edinburgh Scale to marginal improvements when non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches were combined, and testing extended to other scales of motherhood and postpartum. The students discuss the …

Nurses Assisting With Breastfeeding, Sofia Robles-Gonzalez

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

Background: It is a World Health Organization (WHO) global goal to increase the rate of breastfeeding infants exclusively up to 6 months from the current 37% to 50%. It’s a journey for mothers to have a successful breastfeeding experience and nurses can be a part of it. Nurses are trained to assist mothers in breastfeeding but there are difficulties to breastfeeding that could lead to unintended cessation. The difficulties can lead to a decrease in documenting newborn feedings. The purpose of this research is to see how nurses are trained to assist mothers in breastfeeding and what impacts the …

Intermittent Auscultation Versus Continuous Fetal Monitoring In Low-Risk Pregnancies And Deliveries, Heather Wood

Symposium of Student Scholars

Intermittent auscultation (IA) became the standard of practice during labor through the monitoring developments of Von Winkel. He defined fetal distress parameters that were constant until the development of electronic fetal monitoring (EFM). EFM has since eclipsed the use of IA. However, not to the benefit of the low-risk mother and child. Currently, the global caesarean rate is 21% and the US rate is 31.8%. Research indicates that the use of IA decreases the rate of caesarean section, decreases ICU admissions, and increases fetal well-being outcomes such as higher Apgar scores, lower neonatal seizures, and lower perinatal mortality. With continuous …

Reducing Diaper Dermatitis In The Nicu, Yesenia Alvira

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

Purpose: This evidence-based project aims to support the acquisition of diaper dermatitis protocols that include nursing interventions, assessment tools, and educational opportunities for NICU nurses. Neonatal diaper dermatitis cases are common in the NICU due to the skin of neonates often being underdeveloped and sensitive to the environment. Diapers, especially, can irritate the perineal skin of neonates. Nurses who do not comply with standard perineal skin care can compromise the neonate's skin integrity. This can cause diaper dermatitis, which, if left untreated, can pose a risk of infection and cause pain to the neonate. Literature review: The review of …

In Full-Term Pregnant Women With Gestational Diabetes, Does Induction Of Labor Increase The Risk Of The Patient Requiring An Emergency C-Section When Compared To Spontaneous Labor?, Melissa Hernandez

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes (GDM) during pregnancy can have serious complications where an induction might be recommended instead of waiting for spontaneous labor (SL) to occur. With all labor, there is a risk of an emergency cesarean section (c-section). Women with GDM might require induction for their safety and the safety of their babies. According to the Mayo Clinic, problems that arise with GDM include the infant with excessive birth weight, congenital defects, and hypoglycemia. Women might develop preeclampsia, birth trauma, or delayed wound healing. The purpose of this project is to compare induction versus SL in full-term mothers with …

Educating Parents On Infant Safe Sleep To Reduce Sleep-Related Deaths, Marleni Cervantes

Symposium of Student Scholars

During my pediatric clinical rotation, I saw parents practicing unsafe sleeping practices with their infants. Infants would sleep with their pillows, blankets and in non-supine positions. There are around 3000 sleep related infant deaths annually in the United States (Patrick et al., 2021). To combat this issue a safe sleep education program should be implemented in labor and delivery and NICU units to ensure parents are getting the proper training before discharge. Parents will attend an education program before discharging from the hospital. The program will be completed in 2 days to ensure the parents are able to ask questions …

Prenatal Care: Access For All?, Jasmin Stewart

Symposium of Student Scholars

Prenatal care is an essential part of a woman’s pregnancy journey. It ensures that both mother and child are doing well, and helps to locate and diagnose any issues before they become complications. Without regular check ups, mothers will not be aware of life-threatening complications such as preeclampsia or placenta previa. Women in low socioeconomic brackets often do not have good access to prenatal care. Research studies have interviewed women and have stated many times there are no providers in the area where they live and they have to make long trips to see a doctor, which they cannot afford. …

Point-Of-Care Devices To Reduce Iatrogenic Anemia Among Preterm Infants, Jenna Craven

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

In neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), the prevalence of anemia and required blood transfusions continues to rise. Blood testing is necessary in this population in order to accurately develop diagnoses and treatment options. However, blood loss in the NICU is the main cause of preterm neonatal anemia. Preterm infants tend to experience larger amounts of blood loss compared to other infants in the NICU. They are born with fewer red blood cells and are not able to rapidly reproduce these blood cells when needed, and multiple blood draws further deplete the infant’s hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. In current practice, …

The Effects Of Prenatal Patient Education Regarding Epidural Anesthesia, Auburn Merritt

Symposium of Student Scholars

This project is important because there is a lack of education for prenatal women regarding epidural anesthesia which causes misunderstanding, confusion, a deficit of knowledge, and a lack of support. The purpose of this project is to analyze and suggest the importance of proper education regarding epidural anesthesia. Proper prenatal education causes resolution of misconceptions as well as causes patients to be more satisfied with their pain management during labor. Evidence that I found suggested that after proper education more pregnant women planned to receive epidural anesthesia (Cutajar, 2018). Women preferred detailed education to increase knowledge of the risks and …

Increasing Translation Services In Labor And Delivery, Victoria Morales

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

Communication is one of the most basic and fundamental concepts in healthcare. Whether between nurse, doctor, patient, or environmental services, effective communication is vital to ensuring patient safety, achieving positive patient outcomes, promoting healthcare, and ensuring that patients make informed decisions. Data was gathered from non-English speaking patient surveys from a Labor and Delivery unit at a metro Atlanta hospital, to determine that not enough translation services were readily available for non-English speaking patients, and as a result, patient outcomes and satisfaction were negatively impacted. According to The International Journal of Translation and Interpreting Research, systemic reviews from multiple …

Impact Of The Maternity Care Changes Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Pregnant Women And Their Birth Partners: An Integrative Literature Review, Rebekah Kemp

Master of Science in Nursing Final Projects

Introduction: In March 2020, the novel coronavirus originating out of Wuhan in China and spreading rapidly worldwide, became known as the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients with pre-existing conditions, such as the elderly and pregnant women, are among those most vulnerable to severe infection due to COVID-19. Increased pulmonary expansion in the respiratory tract make pregnant women more susceptible to viral respiratory infections and exacerbation of illnesses like COVID-19. Another major concern correlated with the pandemic and pregnancy is its effect on pregnant women’s mental health. Unique physiological and psychological changes place pregnant women at an increased risk for experiencing mental health …

A Better Way To Non-Invasively Measure Bilirubin Levels To Protect Infant Health, Kristen Mackeil

Symposium of Student Scholars

Background: Jaundice screening using transcutaneous bilirubin(TcB) monitors often produce inaccurately low results for lighter skin tone newborns and inaccurately high results for darker skin tone newborns. While high jaundice levels for lighter skin tone newborns risk going undetected, darker skin tone newborns receive unnecessary follow up heel sticks for serum bilirubin determination. This is a problem because dangerous jaundice levels may be under or over reported. Additionally, unnecessary heel sticks for darker skin tone newborns increase the risk of complications from puncture and increase newborn discomfort. Performing the heel stick and processing the blood sample also cost nurses and …

Decreasing The Number Of Venipuncture Attempts In Infants On A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Laura Grace Holton

Symposium of Student Scholars

Decreasing the Number of Venipuncture Attempts in Infants on a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Laura Grace Holton

Obtaining intravenous access is a procedure performed on most preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units, for the purpose of obtaining blood samples, administering fluids and medications. Venipuncture is the process of puncturing the skin to insert a needle for IV access and often must be performed multiple times to be successful given the small veins of preterm infants. Research shows that multiple venipuncture attempts can be distressing to hospitalized infants, increases the risk of bloodstream infections, and causes lasting vein damage. Literature …

Breastfeeding Education: A Training Program For Mother-Baby Nurses, Bianca Gumus

Symposium of Student Scholars

In the postpartum period, a nurse’s most vital role is educating the patient and preparing her for discharge. Breastfeeding in the postpartum period can be challenging to new mothers, and proper guidance from the nurse is essential in boosting the patient’s confidence and satisfaction. Successful breastfeeding in the postpartum period is linked to decreased bleeding, decreased risk of postpartum depression, and improved health outcomes for mother and baby (ACOG, n.d.). When postpartum mothers feel they did not receive enough education or guidance from the healthcare team, they are more likely to be dissatisfied with their overall care (Wagner & Washington, …

Characteristics Of Substance Addicted Mothers That Predict Graduation From The Family Treatment Court, Katherine Barnett

Doctorate of Nursing Science Dissertations

In the United States, substance addiction is a major contributing factor to incarceration of mothers and separation of children from their families. Five hundred Family Treatment Courts (FTC) operate across the country to combat the growing problem of women addicted to drugs. The FTC model provides mothers with substance addiction treatment, intensive judicial monitoring, repeated drug testing, counseling, incentives or sanctions, and case management with the goal of reaching long term sobriety and reunification with their children. Understanding characteristics that may influence graduation from the Family Treatment Court will provide valuable information on developing interventions to support participants’ success and …

A Systematic Review: The Impacts Of Non-Pharmacological Therapy Interventions, Such As Exercise, On Postpartum Depressive Symptoms In Postpartum Women?, Jennifer Rafala, Amanda Kozlowski, Kristin Simons, Madison Rhoad, Courtney Greene

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

Title: A Systematic Review: The impacts of non-pharmacological therapy interventions, such as exercise, on postpartum depressive symptoms in postpartum women?

Background: Postpartum depression is a psychological condition most often seen within six weeks after birth. Often confused with short-term “baby blues”, postpartum depression can be debilitating including excessive crying, insomnia, fatigue, feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, and other disruptive symptoms that can impede the new mother’s ability to care for herself and her baby. Postpartum depression often goes unrecognized by new mothers; however, when diagnosed, treatment regimens frequently include pharmacological interventions.

Objectives: This systematic review aimed to determine the …

Preeclampsia In African America Women, Breanna Shoultz, Qweita Eastman, Taylor Maynor, Konstanz Ewing

Symposium of Student Scholars

Background: Every year in the U.S., there are 700 pregnancy related deaths that occur, with ⅔ of those deaths being preventable. African American women are 3-4% more likely to die of pregnancy related complications, mainly preeclampsia, than any other population. Preeclampsia is related to cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, which Black women are more at risk for. Objective: This systematic review will explore how preventative techniques such as the use of diuretics and physical activity during pregnancy will decrease the risk for preeclampsia in African American women compared to untreated preeclampsia complications that affect mortality rates upon delivery. …

Weight, Temperature, And Transcutaneous Bilirubin Of The Term Neonate At Discharge: A Comparative Study Between A Traditional Nursery And Rooming-In Model Of Care, Jennifer L. Pass

Master of Science in Nursing Final Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine day of discharge term neonate outcomes of percent weight change, body temperature, and transcutaneous bilirubin from a traditional nursery and a rooming-in model of care.

Design: A retrospective, descriptive, comparative design was used, comparing two groups for differences between outcomes.

Methods: A total of 102 electronic neonate records from one hospital in north Georgia were examined and divided based on when the model of neonate care changed from the traditional nursery care setting to full rooming-in, which was early November 2010: Group 1 (traditional care) consisted of 51 …

Barriers And Facilitators To Prenatal Care For Pregnant Latina Women In Cobb County, Georgia, Carol Holtz, Annette Bairan

Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective

This research study seeks to identify factors that serve as barriers and/or facilitators to prenatal care for Latina women and to provide data to assist health care providers, health care agencies, and policy makers in developing programs that maximize access to prenatal care for Latina women. In addition, other groups may also find this data useful, such as scholars in Latin American studies, immigration, cultural diversity, minority health care, and health care in general. The research questions consist of the following: (1) What do indigent pregnant (or recently delivered) Latina women believe about prenatal care? (2) What are the barriers …

Barriers And Facilitators To Prenatal Care For Pregnant Latina Women In Cobb County, Georgia, Carol Holtz, Annette Bairan

Faculty Articles

This research study seeks to identify factors that serve as barriers and/or facilitators to prenatal care for Latina women and to provide data to assist health care providers, health care agencies, and policy makers in developing programs that maximize access to prenatal care for Latina women. In addition, other groups may also find this data useful, such as scholars in Latin American studies, immigration, cultural diversity, minority health care, and health care in general. The research questions consist of the following: (1) What do indigent pregnant (or recently delivered) Latina women believe about prenatal care? (2) What are the barriers …