Nursing Care of Baby whose Mother is HIV Positive

Step

Action

1

Use standard precautions.

2

Babies greater than 32 weeks gestation if condition stable, after birth should be bathed as soon as possible using standard baby wash

• A nurse should wear a long sleeve gown and gloves whilst carrying out the bath
• Where possible include either parent in the bathing activity, however this should not delay the timing of the bath.

3

After baby is bathed Vitamin K is given IM in right leg (Parent consent needed).

4

Baby is not given breast milk or breastfed (as there is increased risk of HIV transmission to baby).

• When gestationally appropriate, teach parents how to prepare and give a bottle feed to baby (see bottle feeding guideline).
• Ask parents to provide bottle and teat that they will use at home.
• Document feeding plan on observation chart.

5

Ensure baseline FBC is taken.

6

Commence antiretroviral medication within 4hrs (see Zidovudine guideline)

• Liaise with ward pharmacists to arrange supply of discharge medication
• Educate parents how to administer the oral liquid; discuss the bottle label instructions with them.

7