Nursing Care Problems in a Newborn with Trisomy 21 – Case Report

Abstract

Introduction. Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder caused by trisomy of the 21st pair of chromosomes. The incidence is approximately 1:900 live births. Down’s syndrome is characterised by a number of phenotypic features, such as slanted eyes, diagonal wrinkles, a sandal groove on the sole of the feet, a transverse major line on the palm of the hand and developmental delay on each plane. The affliction is often combined with other co-morbidities such as hearing, vision, heart defects, fertility disorders and other.

Aim. The purpose of the paper was to highlight the specifics of caring for a newborn with Down’s Syndrome who has been left by their parents in hospital.

Case Report. The patient described in this paper was a female neonate born by caesarean section at 39 weeks’ gestation. Shortly after delivery, the baby was transferred to the Neonatal Pathology Ward, where she was placed in an incubator. During her stay in the ward, a genetic and endocrinology consultation was carried out. BCG and hepatitis B vaccination and all screening tests were performed. The mother’s poor mental state prevented her from caring for the newborn. The baby had a good prognosis, but manifested several nursing problems, including increased crying, gastrointestinal problems and problems with food intake, drooling and reduced muscle tone.

Discussion. Children with Down’s Syndrome are characterised by the presence of a wide variety of health problems, including those associated with reduced muscle tone, which has a direct effect on problems with food intake, difficulties in sucking and coordinating sucking, swallowing and breathing, gastrointestinal problems, and drooling. Thus, patient care should be comprehensive.

Conclusions. In the care of a newborn with Down’s Syndrome, careful and continuous observation of the general condition, behaviour and the occurrence of any adverse symptoms is very important. (JNNN 2024;13(4):156–163)