Physiologic Limitations
The preterm infant has many physiologic limitations
owing to immaturity of all major body
systems, including respiratory, cardiovascular, renal,
gastrointestinal, hematologic, metabolic, and
immunologic systems. These limitations make transition
to extrauterine life more complex and increase
the risk of physiologic and iatrogenic problems.
As a result, the preterm infant is dependent on
both healthcare providers and the NICU environment.
Much of the nursing care provided in the
NICU focuses on interventions to assist the immature
infant in adapting to the extrauterine world.