title: A systematic approach to neonatal pathophysiology: understanding respiratory distress syndrome.
abstract: The vast amount of growing and changing literature and knowledge available today regarding the pathophysiology and care of the critically ill neonate can provide a confusing and overwhelming picture to the neonatal nurse. Coupled with advanced technology and new clinical research, the comprehension of neonatal pathophysiology requires an organized scheme to understand a newborn's response to illness. The concept analysis approach is one way to master learning and nursing care. Concept analysis is an eight-step process for investigating and organizing a neonate's response to illness, which is the basis for planning and managing nursing care. This article explains the approach and uses the common illness response of RDS to show how to utilize it. This ultimately provides an essential and meaningful plan of care for the neonatal nurse.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Hicks
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D017283:Neonatal Nursing; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology*