Complications of the Newborn

Unit code: HMB3217 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
St Albans
Prerequisites
HMB3113 - Complex Pregnancy and Birth 2
HMB3114 - Midwifery Practice 5
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
Enquire

Overview

This unit will assist students to acquire foundational knowledge of the care of babies with complications. Students will have the opportunity to study the circumstances that commonly result in a baby being admitted to a Level Two Nursery. The issues confronting the infant and family during this period will be examined. Students will explore the role of the midwife in providing a family centred apporach whilst integrating ethico-legal issues involved in care of the baby with complications. Evidence-based knowledge will be integrated with assessment and care procedures pertaining to oxygenation, elimination, nutrition, immunity and temperature regulation.

Note: The detailed information in this descriptor is that required by the external accreditation agency ANMAC as per their course accreditation guidelines (2010).

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Describe the development of a baby during the second half of pregnancy;
  2. Discuss the circumstances that may necessitate admission of a baby to a level two nursery;
  3. Evaluate the level two nursery environment and its impact upon the baby and family;
  4. Discuss the role of the midwife within the context of the level two nursery multidisciplinary team;
  5. Demonstrate the knowledge and clinical decision making process required to care for a sick newborn within the context of family-centred care;
  6. Apply evidence-based knowledge to midwifery practice related to: care of the sick newborn and his/her family; and, strategies and care when resuscitating the newborn baby;
  7. Defend the family’s need for privacy, dignity and respect, as well as their right to be informed and to make decision regarding care of their baby;
  8. Value reflective practice in the implementation evidence informed care for the baby and family;
  9. Debate the ethico-legal issues, which arise in the care of babies with special needs; and
  10. Demonstrate a drug calculations mastery.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Examination
|
Grade: 60%
3 hour written exam
Assessment type: Essay
|
Grade: 40%
1500 words
Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 0%
Drug calculation test (30 minutes)

The drug calculation test is a hurdle requirement. Accuracy in medication administration is an absolute requirement for safe midwifery practice.

Required reading

Merenstein & Gardner's Handbook of Neonatal Intensive Care
Gardner, S. L., Carter, B. S. Enzman-Hines, M., Hernandez, J. A. (2015). | St Louis: Mosby Elsevier

This midwifery-specific text is approved as the most recent edition by the external accreditation agency ANMAC.

As part of a course

This unit is not compulsory for any specific course. Depending on the course you study, this unit may be taken as an elective.

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