Comprehensive Neonatal Nursing Care
Carole Kenner, PhD, RN, FAAN, FNAP, ANEF
Leslie Altimier, DNP, RNC, MSN, NE-BC
Marina V. Boykova, PhD, RN
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
- New chapters on Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and Trauma-Informed Care in the NICU
- New chapter on the Newborn or Infant Transplant Patient
- Expanded coverage of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and developmental care standards
- New content on artificial intelligence in diagnostics and climate change impacts
- Updated guidance on couplet care, neurobehavioral development, and family support
Key Features
- Covers every neonatal body system with physiologic and embryologic foundations
- Supports development of core competencies and evidence-based clinical decision-making
- Includes case studies, QSEN-aligned safety content, and stories from the voice of the parent to provide a different perspective on neonatal care
- Authored by a globally respected team of neonatal nursing experts
Contributors
Past Contributors to the Sixth Edition
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. Identifying, Managing, and Caring for the Neonatal Organ and Tissue Donor
Chapter 24. Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome/Neonatal Withdrawal Syndrome
UNIT V. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND FAMILY-CENTERED CARE IN THE NICU AND BEYOND
Chapter 25. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Environment
Chapter 26. Touching Lives, Impacting Lifetimes: Trauma-Informed Developmental Care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Chapter 27. Family: Essential Partner in Care
Chapter 28. Postdischarge 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 & Artificial Intelligence
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)
I. Diagnostic Processes
II. Guidelines for Supporting Skin-to-Skin Contact in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
III. Developmental Care for the Sick and Preterm Infant
IV. Neuroprotective Intervention
V. Neonatal Transport
VI. Introduction to Vascular Access
VII. 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
- Release Date: January 21, 2026
- Paperback / softback
- 666 Pages
- Trim Size: 8in x 10in
- Number of Illustrations: 160
- ISBN: 9780826147431
- eBook ISBN: 9780826149725



