Global expertise and evidence-based guidance for neonatal care professionals
This essential resource delivers a comprehensive, physiologic and pathophysiologic approach to neonatal care, authored by internationally recognized leaders in the field. It equips clinicians with the latest research, clinical strategies, and integrative management techniques to support high-quality care for newborns and their families. The seventh edition reflects the evolving global landscape of neonatal nursing, emphasizing developmental care, family integration, and emerging technologies. +Additional chapters and resources are available online, expanding the depth and accessibility of this trusted reference.
Designed for both bedside practitioners and advanced practice nurses, this edition supports clinical decision-making through detailed system-based coverage, evidence-based interventions, and interdisciplinary perspectives. It also addresses the growing need for global standards in neonatal care, offering insights into international protocols, ethical considerations, and competency-based education. Whether used in academic settings or clinical environments, this resource fosters excellence in neonatal outcomes and professional development.
What’s New
Key Features
Carole Kenner, PhD, RN, FAAN, FNAP, ANEF, IDFCOINN is the Carol Kuser Loser Dean/Professor of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences at The College of New Jersey. Dr. Kenner received a bachelors of science in nursing from the University of Cincinnati and her master’s and doctorate in nursing from Indiana University. She specialized in neonatal/perinatal nursing for her master’s and obtained a minor in higher education for her doctorate. She has authored more than 200 journal articles and 40 textbooks.
Leslie B. Altimier, DNP, RN, MSN, NE-BC, is the Regional Director of Neonatal Services at SSM Health: Cardinal Glennon Childrens Hospital in St. Louis, MO. She received her BSN from Kent State University, MSN from the University of North Carolina, and DNP from Northeastern University in Boston, and she completed a postdoctoral fellowship in compassionate healthcare through Northeastern University in collaboration with the Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare and the Jonas Center for Nursing and Veterans Healthcare. In her 30-year nursing career, she has specialized in neonatal and pediatric intensive care, and most recently, she is the Regional Director of Neonatal Services at SSM Health: Cardinal Glennon Childrens & St. Mary’s Hospitals in St. Louis, MO.
Marina V. Boykova, PhD, RN, FNAP is an associate professor of nursing in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Holy Family University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Boykova received her Diploma in Nursing Practice from the School of Nursing #3, Saint Petersburg, Russia; a Certificate in Theory and Practice of Nurse Education, Medical College #1, Saint Petersburg, Russia; a Certificate in Theory and Practice of Nurse Education, Chester, United Kingdom; Bachelor of Science with Honours in Professional Practice (Nursing), University of Liverpool, Chester, United Kingdom; Diploma of Higher Education in Nursing, Novgorod University of Y. Mudrogo, Novgorod, Russia; Master of Science in Health Promotion (Distinction), University of Liverpool, Chester, United Kingdom; and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International, Council of International Neonatal Nurses (COINN), National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN), National Academies of Practice (NAP), Eastern Nursing Research Society, and the American Nurses Association. She serves as a nonexecutive director for the Council of International Neonatal Nurses, Inc. (COINN). She is a member of the COINN Research Committee, the World Health Organization (WHO) STAGE Midwifery Working Group on Transitioning to Midwifery Models of Care. She is a fellow in the National Academies of Practice (NAP). Dr. Boykova’s clinical background is neonatal intensive care nursing. Her research interests center on transition from hospital to home and to primary care for parents of preterm infants. She has published over 40 journal articles, over 20 book chapters, and co-edited three textbooks. She coauthored a policy brief on Reducing Preterm Births for the American Academy of Nursing.
Contributors
Past Contributors to the Fifth Edition
Foreword Linda S. Franck, PhD, RN, FRCPCH, FAAN
Preface
Acknowledgments
UNIT I. PRENATAL CONSIDERATIONS AND CARE
Chapter 1. Fetal Development: Environmental Influences and Critical Periods
Chapter 2. Prenatal, Intrapartal, and Postpartal Risk Factors
UNIT II. INTRAPARTAL AND NEWBORN CARE
Chapter 3. Resuscitation and Stabilization of the Newborn and Infant
Chapter 4. Assessment of the Newborn and Infant
Chapter 5. Term Newborn
UNIT III. SYSTEMS ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF DISORDERS
Chapter 6. Respiratory System
Chapter 7. Cardiovascular System
Chapter 8. Gastrointestinal System
Chapter 9. Metabolic System
Chapter 10. Endocrine System
Chapter 11. Immune System
Chapter 12. Integumentary System
Chapter 13. Hematologic System
Chapter 14. Musculoskeletal System
Chapter 15. Neurologic System
Chapter 16. Auditory System
Chapter 17. Ophthalmic System
Chapter 18. Genitourinary System
UNIT IV. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Chapter 19. Fluids, Electrolytes, and Acid–Base Balance
Chapter 20. Nutrition Management of Premature Infants
Chapter 21. Neonatal and Infant Pharmacology
Chapter 22. Pain in the Newborn and Infant
Chapter 23. Newborn or Infant Transplant Patient Donor
Chapter 24. Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
UNIT V. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND FAMILY-CENTERED CARE IN THE NICU AND BEYOND
Chapter 25. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Environment
Chapter 26. Touch a Life, Impact a Lifetime: Trauma-Informed Care in the NICU
Chapter 27. Family: Essential Partner in Care
Chapter 28. Post discharge Care of the Newborn, Infant, and Families
Chapter 29. Palliative and End-of-Life Care
UNIT VI. SPECIAL TOPICS IN NEONATAL CARE (ONLINE ONLY)
Chapter 30. Neurobehavioral Development
Chapter 31. Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW) Infant
Chapter 32. The Late Preterm Infant
Chapter 33. Fetal Therapy
Chapter 34. Human Genetics and Genomics: Impact on Neonatal Care
Chapter 35. Surgical Considerations
Chapter 36. Newborn or Infant Transplant Patient
Chapter 37. Trends in Neonatal Care Delivery
Chapter 38. Neonatal Care Using Informatics
Chapter 39. Trends in Neonatal Research and Evidence-Based Practice
Chapter 40. Legal and Ethical Issues in Neonatal Care
Chapter 41. Neonatal Care from a Global Perspective
Chapter 42. Competency-Based Education and Continued Competency
UNIT VII: NEONATAL DIAGNOSTIC AND CARE PROTOCOLS (ONLINE ONLY)
Chapter 43. Diagnostic Processes
Chapter 44. Guidelines for Supporting Skin-to-Skin Contact in the NICU
Chapter 45. Developmental Care for the Sick and Preterm Infant
Chapter 46. Neuroprotective Intervention
Chapter 47. Neonatal Transport
Chapter 48. Introduction to Vascular Access
Chapter 49. Newborn Whole-Body Cooling Protocol
Appendix A: Conversion Table to Standard International (SI) Units
Appendix B: Frequently Used Reference Values and Conversions
Appendix C: International Standards for Newborn Weight, Length, and Head Circumference by Gestational Age and Sex
Index
