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Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

Meconium aspiration syndrome occurs when a fetus experiencing distress passes meconium in utero which is then aspirated at birth. Risk factors include aging placenta, fetal hypoxia, prolonged labor, and maternal illnesses like gestational diabetes. A baby with meconium aspiration may be cyanotic, use extra breathing muscles, or lack breathing effort. Nursing interventions include suctioning meconium, oxygen administration, antibiotics if needed, chest physiotherapy, and monitoring for respiratory distress. The goals are to maintain breathing and circulation.

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Dane Marie Balbiran
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490 views2 pages

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

Meconium aspiration syndrome occurs when a fetus experiencing distress passes meconium in utero which is then aspirated at birth. Risk factors include aging placenta, fetal hypoxia, prolonged labor, and maternal illnesses like gestational diabetes. A baby with meconium aspiration may be cyanotic, use extra breathing muscles, or lack breathing effort. Nursing interventions include suctioning meconium, oxygen administration, antibiotics if needed, chest physiotherapy, and monitoring for respiratory distress. The goals are to maintain breathing and circulation.

Uploaded by

Dane Marie Balbiran
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Balbiran, Dane Marie B.

Ombrosa, Chenil G.

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

Description:
This is the aspiration of stained amniotic fluid. When a fetus is under distress, the vagal
stimulation leads to peristalsis and relaxation of the anal sphincter. Meconium is
released and is mixed within the amniotic fluid. Babies who breathe in the stained
amniotic fluid may develop cyanosis, may use extra muscles to breathe, and be limp at
birth. Other babies may lack respiratory effort altogether.

Etiology:
Circumstances that put stress on the baby include the following:

• “aging” of the placenta. This is typically seen in post term babies.

• Decreased oxygen to the infant while in the uterus. Babies may develop hypoxia due
to cord compression, nuchal cord, or placental-utero insufficiency.

• Prolonged labor may also put the fetus under distress.

• Maternal illnesses: gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension categorize the


pregnancy as a high risk and puts the baby at risk for complications such as MAS.

Nursing Diagnosis
Ineffective breathing pattern related to meconium aspiration.

Subjective data:

Mother’s report of yellow/green discharge

Objective data:

tachypnea, nasal flaring, expiratory grunting, retractions, and yellow-green staining of


skin.

Nursing Interventions
1. Elevate the head of the infant and turn to sides

1. To improve bronchial drainage

2. Perform suctioning of the meconium stained amniotic fluid using a suctioning


machine or a suctioning build syringe

1. Facilitate expulsion of the meconium

3. Perform oxygen administration and ventilation

1. To maintain PO2

4. Provide antibiotic therapy as ordered by the doctor

1. May be used to forestall the development of pneumonia as a secondary


problem

5. Observe infant closely for signs of respiratory distress and increased heart rate

1. Monitor possible heart failure

6. Perform chest physiotherapy

1. To encourage removal of remnants of meconium from the lungs

7. Maintain a temperature neutral environment

1. Prevent increasing metabolic demands

Nursing Outcomes
• Patient maintains an effective breathing pattern, as evidenced by relaxed breathing at
a normal rate and depth, with absence of dyspnea.

• Patient maintains good capillary refill by pressing on the sternum for five seconds
with a finger or thumb and noting the time needed for color to return once pressure is
released.

Reference:

Pillitteri, A. 2010, “Maternal and Child Health Nursing” 6th Edition.

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