NPS Family-Centered Care and Ethics Flashcards

According to the AAP guidelines, at what gestational age is resuscitation at birth generally considered optional based on parental preference?

Answer: 22–23 weeks

The AAP considers 22–23 weeks a 'gray zone' where resuscitation is ethically optional; at 22 weeks, survival is rare and morbidity near-universal, making parental choice central.

A breastfeeding mother of a NICU infant is struggling with milk supply. Which intervention has the strongest evidence for increasing supply?

Answer: Frequent pumping (8+ times per day) combined with skin-to-skin contact

Frequent pumping mimicking an infant's feeding pattern (8 or more times per day), combined with kangaroo care, is the most effective evidence-based strategy for establishing and maintaining milk supply.

What is the primary purpose of developmental care practices such as NIDCAP (Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program)?

Answer: To individualize care based on each neonate's behavioral cues to reduce stress and support neurodevelopment

NIDCAP uses systematic observation of behavioral cues to tailor care timing, positioning, and environmental stimulation to each neonate's neurodevelopmental tolerance.

Which ethical obligation requires healthcare providers to disclose all relevant information to parents so they can make informed decisions for their neonate?

Answer: Informed consent

Informed consent requires that providers disclose diagnosis, prognosis, treatment options, risks, and benefits in understandable language so parents can make voluntary, autonomous decisions.

A 34-week neonate is ready for discharge. Which parenting education topic is MOST critical before discharge home?

Answer: Safe sleep practices (supine positioning, firm flat surface, no co-sleeping)

Safe sleep education (back to sleep, firm surface, room-sharing without bed-sharing) is critical before NICU discharge to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Which approach best describes the standard for surrogate decision-making for neonates?

Answer: Best interest standard — parents decide what is in the neonate's best interest

Neonatal decision-making uses the 'best interest standard' where parents, guided by medical teams, determine what course of action would best serve the neonate's welfare.