Premature Infant Care Nursing Course

Lesson 1 • Premature Infant Physiology Overview

Examines organ system immaturity across respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological systems. Connects physiological deficits to clinical priorities nurses must address.

Lesson 2 • Prematurity Definitions and Classifications

Covers gestational age categories, corrected age calculation, and viability thresholds. Provides the classification framework used throughout the entire course.

Lesson 3 • The NICU Environment and Equipment

Introduces incubators, radiant warmers, monitoring devices, and alarm systems. Competence with equipment is prerequisite to safe hands-on care.

Lesson 1 • Thermoregulation Physiology in Preterm Infants

Explains heat loss mechanisms and brown fat deficiency in premature infants. Grounds clinical interventions in the physiological basis established in Chapter 1.

Lesson 2 • Premature Skin Anatomy and Vulnerabilities

Describes the structural immaturity of preterm skin and its susceptibility to injury. Provides the anatomical rationale for protective skin care protocols.

Lesson 3 • Evidence-Based Skin Care Protocols

Applies validated skin care practices including emollient use, gentle adhesive removal, and wound assessment. Reduces iatrogenic injury in the NICU.

Lesson 1 • Respiratory Distress Syndrome Pathophysiology

Explains surfactant deficiency, alveolar collapse, and resulting hypoxemia in RDS. Builds on organ immaturity concepts from Chapter 1 to explain clinical presentation.

Lesson 2 • Non-Invasive Respiratory Support

Teaches CPAP and high-flow nasal cannula application, interface selection, and troubleshooting. Non-invasive support is the first-line intervention before intubation.

Lesson 3 • Mechanical Ventilation Fundamentals

Introduces ventilator modes, key parameters, and circuit management for intubated preterm infants. Provides foundational ventilator knowledge for advanced respiratory management.

Lesson 4 • Surfactant Replacement Therapy

Covers indications, preparation, administration technique, and post-dose monitoring for surfactant therapy. Nurses assist with and monitor response to this life-saving intervention.

Lesson 1 • Vascular Access in the NICU

Teaches umbilical catheter care, peripheral IV management, and PICC line maintenance. Reliable vascular access is essential for medication and fluid delivery.

Lesson 2 • Patent Ductus Arteriosus Management

Explains PDA pathophysiology, clinical signs, and medical and surgical management options. PDA is among the most common cardiovascular complications in premature infants.

Lesson 3 • Fluid and Electrolyte Management

Covers fluid requirements, electrolyte monitoring, and management of common imbalances in preterm infants. Fluid balance directly impacts cardiovascular and renal stability.

Lesson 1 • Nutritional Requirements of Preterm Infants

Defines caloric, protein, fat, and micronutrient needs specific to premature infants. Establishes the nutritional targets that guide all feeding decisions.

Lesson 2 • Enteral Feeding Methods and Advancement

Teaches orogastric and nasogastric tube feeding, feeding advancement protocols, and tolerance assessment. Structured advancement reduces NEC risk and supports gut maturation.

Lesson 3 • Human Milk and Formula Selection

Compares human milk, donor milk, and preterm formulas and their clinical indications. Human milk is the preferred nutrition source for premature infants.

Lesson 4 • Oral Feeding Development and Breastfeeding

Covers oral feeding readiness cues, non-nutritive sucking, and breastfeeding support for preterm infants. Oral feeding competence is a key discharge milestone.

Lesson 1 • Neonatal Brain Development and Vulnerability

Describes brain development from 24 weeks gestation and the mechanisms of preterm brain injury. Establishes the neurological basis for all neuroprotective interventions.

Lesson 2 • Neonatal Pain Assessment and Management

Teaches validated pain scales, non-pharmacological comfort measures, and analgesic use. Untreated pain causes neurological harm and disrupts development.

Lesson 3 • Intraventricular Hemorrhage Prevention and Care

Covers IVH grading, prevention strategies, and nursing care for affected infants. IVH is a leading cause of neurodevelopmental disability in premature infants.

Lesson 4 • Neonatal Seizure Recognition and Response

Covers subtle and overt seizure types, EEG monitoring basics, and antiepileptic nursing care. Early seizure recognition prevents secondary neurological injury.

Lesson 1 • Early-Onset and Late-Onset Sepsis

Distinguishes EOS and LOS by timing, pathogens, and clinical presentation. Timely recognition and treatment prevent septic shock and organ failure.

Lesson 2 • Hand Hygiene and Standard Precautions

Covers hand hygiene technique, personal protective equipment, and contact precaution protocols. Hand hygiene is the single most effective infection prevention measure.

Lesson 3 • Necrotizing Enterocolitis Prevention and Care

Covers NEC pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical staging, and nursing management. NEC is a devastating gastrointestinal emergency unique to premature infants.

Lesson 4 • Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection Prevention

Teaches CLABSI prevention bundles including insertion checklists, dressing care, and line necessity review. CLABSI is a leading cause of preventable NICU mortality.

Lesson 1 • Post-Discharge Follow-Up and Outcomes

Addresses neurodevelopmental follow-up, growth monitoring, and common post-discharge complications. Long-term outcomes depend on structured surveillance after NICU discharge.

Lesson 2 • Discharge Readiness Criteria

Defines physiological and behavioral milestones required for safe NICU discharge. Objective criteria guide consistent discharge decision-making across the care team.

Lesson 3 • Home Monitoring and Medical Equipment

Teaches apnea monitor use, home oxygen setup, and pulse oximetry for discharged infants. Families must operate equipment safely before discharge.

Lesson 4 • Multidisciplinary Discharge Coordination

Covers care conference facilitation, referral coordination, and follow-up scheduling. Seamless handoff to outpatient services prevents post-discharge complications.