Physiologic assessment of the healthy newborn.

Care of the stabilized newborn requires an understanding of perinatal (prenatal and intrapartum) risk factors, and an accurate, timely assessment in relation to these factors. Ongoing assessments during the newborn's hospital stay should be based on the data collected during the initial assessment. The newborn should not be discharged until concerns are resolved and defined criteria are met. Family education is an essential part of newborn care and must include comprehensive information in a written as well as verbal format. Documentation must be simple, yet allow for inclusion of necessary information. Shortened hospital stays challenge neonatal nurses to provide care that allows for quality patient outcomes.