25.1: Introduction
Newborn complications include those related to traumatic birth, a result of maternal health, or an outcome of genetics. The nurse's priority is knowing when and how to intervene to provide the best care for the newborn and family. Nursing interventions can sometimes include following neonatal resuscitation protocols or transferring a preterm newborn to the NICU for care. Parent attachment with an at-risk newborn can be altered because of the need for immediate medical interventions. The nurse encourages parents to engage with their newborn as much as medically possible to facilitate appropriate bonding and attachment. In addition, the nurse provides and regularly reinforces discharge teaching so that parents feel confident to care safely for their at-risk newborn at home.