PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

P K Lemons

Publications and source records attributed to P K Lemons.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

Transition to breast/bottle feedings: the premature infant.

Premature infants present a nutritional challenge to the health care provider for a variety of reasons: reduced gastric capacity, poorly integrated intestinal motility, limited digestive capabilities, neurobehavioral immaturity and limited ability to take feedings by mouth. There is often a prolonged need for oro-gastric/nasogastric supplementation until nipple feedings can commence. Neurobehavioral organization is essential for a smooth and gradual transition to full nipple feedings. This article describes the expected progression of behavioral competencies as reflected in recognizable infant cues which can be identified by care providers to facilitate an optimal feeding interaction. The essential components of nutritive sucking, including the integration of suck-swallow-breathe, are detailed. Common problems with their warning signs and methods of prevention are described. Specific recommendations to limit hypoventilation during feedings are discussed, as well as optimal route and rate of delivery of milk. Prefeeding techniques used to arouse the infant to best performance are delineated including state modulation, correct positioning and oral motor stimulation. The second half of the article focuses on the breast-fed premature infant and includes information on maternal markers for success/failure, a detailed discussion of lactogenesis and the establishment of lactation, and specific recommendations for maintaining lactation in the absence of a suckling infant. Practical guidelines based on neurobehavioral development are provided for facilitating the transition from gavage feeding to nursing. Common concerns encountered at discharge are reviewed, including those parameters which require continued healthcare supervision.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Prenatal diagnosis and congenital disease: role of the clinical nurse specialist.

Birth defects reflect the infant's genetic constitution and are generally divided into four major categories: multifactorial, single-gene, chromosomal, and environmental. The etiology of the specific disorder is directly related to its risk of occurrence/recurrence, which can be theoretically or specifically calculated. Suspicion of genetic disease in an unborn child is heightened by a history of disease in blood relatives and by the presence of multiple miscarriages and/or increased maternal age. Current prenatal screening tools include maternal/fetal sampling (tissue, cells, amniotic fluid) and fetal visualization. All these tests have specific complications and limitations. Families undergoing prenatal testing are likely to experience anxiety, which may continue throughout the pregnancy despite a diagnosis of an unaffected fetus. Such anxiety can interfere with attachment to the unborn child. The aware clinical nurse specialist is in a position to help all parents by providing clear and accurate information, sensitive emotional support, and by optimizing social support systems.

Female↗
PubMed1983

Victims of addiction.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Education, Nursing, Continuing↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Persistent failure-to-thrive: a case study.

The inability to successfully feed a young infant or child is as worrisome to parents as it is to the health care provider. Early growth failures are likely to reflect difficulty with infant homeostasis and often respond to medical management of the physical problem that is temporarily interfering with the infant's ability to feed by mouth. In addition to medical management, however, treatment also necessitates investigation and management of behavioral problems that so universally accompany growth failure. This article presents a case study of a child who presented with poor growth and respiratory symptoms associated with nonregurgitant gastroesophageal reflux, a clinical entity that can be difficult to recognize. Although surgical management of this condition was successful, persistent failure-to-thrive continued and was seemingly recalcitrant to treatment. The use of cyproheptadine as an appetite stimulant to promote weight gain in this child is discussed with a review of the current literature regarding this pharmacologic approach to poor weight gain. A behavioral-based treatment plan is described as an alternate management method, avoiding the use of pharmacologic agents in general.

Cyproheptadine↗