Introduction

Premature births remain a perinatal problem affecting between 5% and 12% of cases. The main clinical condition associated is the Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (NRDS), which onsets right after birth, and which is characterized by a progressive respiratory difficulty which requires ventilation assistance at the Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). This study presents the integral handling of the case of a newly born with 32 gestational weeks and NRDS at a second level of attention hospital. The Nursing Process was applied.

Objective

To provide integral and individualized attention with specific care to this premature neonate, based on the General Theory of Self-Care.

Method

The patient was selected by convenience from the NICU applying the methodology of the nursing process, and with an assessment based on the universal requirements of self-care. The related information was obtained through the clinical record, an interview to the mother, and the assessment of the patient. Data were analyzed and nursing diagnoses were generated. The care plan was executed with the support of scientific articles and clinical practice guides.

Results

12 nursing diagnoses were emitted, 10 real and 2 of risk, including: maintenance of enough air, water, and feeding supply, and excretion related associated care.

Conclusions

Independent and inter-dependent interventions were achieved, however, the premature neonate remained at the NICU because of the complexity of the needed care, which requires constant supervision from experienced and skillful personnel. The attention to these cases must be immediate in order to handle the frequent associated pathologies.