The premature infant’s mortality risk is far greater than that of the term infant.

It accounts for over fifty percent of deaths among neonates. A large percentage of all premature infants can survive if they receive comprehensive medical management, including specialized nursing care.

The adjustment to extrauterine life presents an added hazard to the premie because he leaves the protection of the uterus before his physical development is sufficient. He comes into the extrauterine world with physiological limitations that could set the stage for both early and later complications. These limitations or handicaps differ in kind, number, and severity, depending on gestational age at birth. The smaller the infant, the more arduous his struggle is expected to be.

Each premature infant provides the nursery personnel with a unique challenge. His specific physical needs are met most successfully when the nurse recognized the intensity of care required and applies expert nursing skills geared to assist with his struggle.