Nurse's Pocket Guide

VESTIBULAR
• Move and handle the infant slowly and gently. Do not restrict
spontaneous movement.
• Provide vestibular stimulation to console, stabilize breathing/heart
rate, or enhance growth. Use a water bed (with or
without oscillation), a motorized/moving bed or cradle, or
rocking in the arms of a caregiver.
GUSTATORY
• Dip pacifier in milk and offer to infant during gavage feeding
for sucking and to stimulate tasting.
TACTILE
• Maintain skin integrity and monitor closely. Limit frequency
of invasive procedures.
• Minimize use of chemicals on skin (e.g., alcohol, Betadine,
solvents) and remove afterward with warm water because
skin is very sensitive/fragile.
• Limit use of tape and adhesives directly on skin. Use Duo-
Derm under tape to prevent dermal injury.
• Touch infant with a firm containing touch, avoid light
stroking. Provide a sheepskin, soft linen. Note: Tactile experience
is the primary sensory mode of the infant.
• Encourage frequent parental holding of infant (including
skin-to-skin). Supplement activity with extended family, staff,
volunteers.
NURSING PRIORITY NO. 5. To promote wellness (Teaching/
Discharge Considerations):
• Evaluate home environment to identify appropriate modifications.
• Identify community resources (e.g., early stimulation program,
qualified childcare facilities/respite care, visiting nurse,
home-care support, specialty organizations).
• Determine sources for equipment/therapy needs.
• Refer to support/therapy groups, as indicated, to provide role
models, facilitate adjustment to new roles/responsibilities,
and enhance coping.
• Provide contact number, as appropriate (e.g., primary nurse),
to support adjustment to home setting.
• Refer to additional NDs, such as risk for impaired
parent/child Attachment; compromised/disabled or readiness
for enhanced family Coping; delayed Growth and Development;
risk for Caregiver Role Strain.
Information in brackets added by the authors to clarify and enhance
the use of nursing diagnoses.
Diagnostic Studies Pediatric/Geriatric/Lifespan Medications 401
disorganized INFANT BEHAVIOR