Ballard Test

The Ballard test is a scale utilize to estimate the gestational maturate of a newborn infant. The test evaluates the neuromuscular and physical maturity of an infant. in that location are six different areas of neuromuscular maturity that are rated. sevensome different areas of physical maturity are rated based on observation of the infant. gestational climb on is the measure of time an infant spends growing in the womb before birth.Its an important factor to determine because it nominate be an indicator of any potential problems that the newborn might develop. Gestational time cannister also reveal whether or not it was a healthy pregnancy.Assessing Neurological Features In order to assess the newborns neurologic features the infant should be awake, not crying and lying on her back. You then score the infants posture based on your observation of costless movement of the limbs. The following features are scored based on your observation when you rig the limbs square wind ow, arm recoil, popliteal angle, scarf sign and heel to ear. Assessing outdoor(a) Features The external features are scored based on your observation of the infant. These external features accept skin, lanugo, plantar creases, embrace, ear, genitalia.Scoring External and neurological features are rated based on a score of zero to four. When scoring you should observe both sides of the infant and half(prenominal) scores can be used. All the scores are then added up for a final score. The final score is then compared to a table which gives the approximate gestational age. If the final score is within 2 weeks of the mothers dates, then her dates are acceptable. If the dates are over or under two weeks of the score then the mothers dates should be deemed incorrect and you should accept the gestational age based on the Ballard score.Besides the Ballard test, you can look for observable clinical signs to help determine whether the infant is mature or pre-term. You should observe suc h things as sucking ability, flexing of arms and legs, whether or not you can see the veins under the skin, development of the nipple and breast bud, descended testes and covered labia minora. The weight and head circumference of the infant should also be taken into consideration. Learning Objectives The first attainment objective is to describe the Ballard scales used in assessing the newborn. The second learn objective is to define the purposes of the scales. The third learning objective is to explain the importance of the newborns Ballard scores. The fourth learning objective is to describe normal and brachydactylous gestational age congeneric to the weight of the newborn. Definitions The first definition of the Ballard test is to determine normal and abnormal features of a newborn. The second definition of the Ballard test is to determine normal neurological solutions of a newborn. The third definition of the Ballard test is to discern normal physiological features of a newborn. The fourth definition of the Ballard test is to determine the gestational age of the newborn and the correlation between the gestational age and the weight of the newborn. instruct Methodology A prior knowledge of embryology and fetal physiology is helpful. A radical knowledge of antepartum and intrapartum care is necessary. As well as familiarity with maternal(p) screening tests and common maternal complications that may arise. Develop questions to be asked in order to gather information and history related to pregnancy, labor and delivery. key the key elements of the physical assessment of a newborn. Discuss how all of these elements in conjunction with the Ballard test can determine the gestational age of the newborn. cite the important indicators of gestational maturity and immaturity. Discuss the effects that gestational age has on a newborn. Discuss the transition of the newborn from the womb into the environment.A treat diagnosing or NANDA Actual diag nosis Ineffective airway headway related to decreased energy as manifested by an ineffective cough. run a risk diagnosis Risk for injury related to altered mobility and disorientation. Possible diagnosis Possible fluid volume deficit related to frequent regurgitation for three days as manifested by increased pulse rate. Syndrome diagnosis Rape-trauma syndrome related to anxiety about potential health problems as manifested by anger, genitourinary discomfort, and sleep pattern disturbance. Wellness diagnosis Potential for heighten organized infant behavior, related to prematurity and as manifested by response to visual and auditory stimuli. ( (Nanda Nursing Diagnosis) Works Cited Assessing The Gestational Age. 2005. Newborn Care. 14 October 2008 . Hull, J. W. Ballard scale. 1996-2008 . drhull. com. 14 October 2008 . Nanda Nursing Diagnosis. 2007. Right Health. 16 October 2008 .