The program begins by offering an overview of fetal circulation. With this foundation, it goes on to examine the issues related to cardiopulmonary assessment. Topics such as acrocyanosis, retractions, transient tachypnea and infant respiratory distress syndrome are presented. The program then presents and discusses cardiac anomalies. The four categories of cardiac defects are highlighted and the eight most common cardiac defects are outlined.

After completing this course, the learner should be able to:

Series Overview

Newborns have unique anatomy and physiologic characteristics that need to be assessed at birth. Nurses with limited or no experience in the obstetrical environment need to be made aware of these unique characteristics in order to perform a competent evaluation of a newborn's health.

This series provides nurses with the information they need and demonstrates the skills necessary, to perform a comprehensive assessment of the newborn child.

The programs in this series are:

This series is designated for a total of 5 contact hours of continuing nursing education.