Course Code: REL-ACU-0-RD96
Hours: 10
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2025
Learning Objectives:
Describe the impact that the registered dietitian can have on optimizing nutritional delivery and outcome measurements in the NICU.
Identify the parameters and terminology designating early birth and most appropriate growth chart information to plot an infant’s anthropometric measurements.
Develop the skills to document a comprehensive nutrition history in the NICU.
Evaluate the energy, fluid, macronutrient, and micronutrient needs of full-term and premature infants, and the risk factors for nutrient deficiencies.
Identify nutrient intake and growth changes to evaluate adequacy of nutrition provided.
Describe the indications for parenteral nutrition in the NICU and evidence-based recommendations for parenteral and enteral nutrition.
Explain at least four health benefits and unique nutritional qualities of human milk.
Describe the various enteral formulas used in the NICU, the delivery methods, and the indications for each option.
Discuss guidelines for safe handling of breast milk and infant formula in the NICU.
Identify appropriate oral feeding guidelines and at least three signs and symptoms of feeding intolerance.
Recognize the impact of various medical and surgical factors on the nutritional status of an infant.
Identify common inborn errors of metabolism and treatment strategies.
Identify the nutrition-related challenges that a former premature infant may experience after discharge from the NICU.
Outline:
Section 1: Introduction
About This Course
Learning Objectives
Section 2: Nutrition Evaluation of the Preterm Infant
Newborn Classification
Comprehensive Nutrition Assessment
Anthropometric Assessment Using Growth Charts
Anthropometric and Body Composition Measurements
Newborn Classification
Comprehensive Nutrition Assessment
Biochemical Assessment
Electrolyte Status
Markers of Protein Status
Bone Mineral Status
Vitamin and Trace Element Status
Summary
Section 3: Monitoring Infant Nutrition Status
Monitoring Growth
Neonatal Malnutrition
Dietary Intake Assessment
Energy and Nutrient Needs
Summary
Section 4: Fluid, Electrolytes, and Parenteral Nutrition
Fluid Balance
Fluid Requirements
Parenteral Nutrition
Vitamins, Minerals, and Trace Elements
PN Additives: Heparin, Carnitine, and Cysteine
Access for Administering Parenteral Nutrition
Cycling PN in Infants
Complications of PN
Emerging Issues
Summary
Section 5: Enteral Nutrition and Supplements
Enteral Nutrition
Enteral Feeding Routes
Feeding Selection
Breast Milk or Human Milk
Human Milk Fortifiers
Premature Formula
Preterm Discharge Formulas
DHA and ARA Fortification
Specialized Formulas
Special Considerations
Storage and Handling of Infant Feedings
Micronutrient Supplementation
Oral Feeding
Summary
Section 6: Common Neonatal Diagnoses and Implications for Nutritional Status
Chronic Lung Disease or Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
ECMO
Metabolic Bone Disease, also known as Osteopenia of Prematurity
Biochemical Assessment with MBD
Anemia of Prematurity
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastrointestinal Disease
Congenital GI Malformations
Acquired GI Disease
Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS)
Seizure Disorders
Cystic Fibrosis
Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
Congenital Heart Disease
Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21)
Epidermolysis Bullosa and Aplasia Cutis Congenita
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Tracheoesophageal Fistulas
Section 7: Discharge Nutrition for the High-Risk Infant
Discharge Nutrition
Discharge Readiness/Discharge Planning
Promote Human Milk Feeding
Minimize Nutrient Deficits
Avoid Over-Nourishing
Discharge Nutrition Plan
Choosing What to Feed at Home
Discharge Collaboration
Sample Discharge Summary Form
Section 8: Conclusion
Summary
Course Contributors
Resources
References
Congratulations!
Instructor: Patti Perks MS, RDN, CNSC
Patti Perks, MS, RDN, CNSC has over 15 years experience in neonatal nutrition support in the NICU at the University of Virginia Children’s Hospital in Charlottesville, VA. She is involved in numerous quality improvement initiatives, and provides nutrition education to staff and students. She is a founding board member of the Virginia Neonatal Nutrition Association, a nonprofit that provides educational and networking opportunities for healthcare providers.
Instructor: Julie Stefanski, MEd, RDN, CSSD, LDN, CDCES, FAND
Julie Stefanski, MEd, RDN, CSSD, LDN, CDCES, FAND is a SME Writer focused on topics related to food, nutrition & dietetics for Relias. She is a registered dietitian nutritionist and has been a certified diabetes educator since 2003. Ms. Stefanski earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics and a master's degree in Adult Education with a special focus on distance learning. She was an adjunct instructor in the Stabler Department of Nursing at York College of Pennsylvania for 13 years. Stefanski is the owner of Stefanski Nutrition Services where she specializes in pediatric nutrition, diabetes, gastrointestinal issues and sports nutrition. Stefanski serves as national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics.
Instructor: Carrie Finch, MS, RDN, CSP
Carrie Finch, MS, RDN, CSP, has 20 years of experience as a neonatal dietitian and currently works in the NICU at the Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center in Richmond, VA. Carrie is a published author in peer-reviewed publications and previously coordinated an Advanced Practice Residency program training dietitians across the United States in nutritional care for the high-risk infant.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Level III level Nutrition and Dietetics Professionals; in the following settings: Hospitals: Acute.
Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.
Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.
All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.