Table 5.

Priority Nursing Assessments for Prevention of NEC

	Physiologic System
	Generalized	Cardiovascular and Respiratory	Gastrointestinal
Nursing assessments and clinical signs associated with NEC	Temperature Temperature instability Additional radiant heat requirements Behavior Lethargy Irritability	Vital signs Apnea Bradycardia Oxygen desaturations with increased respiratory support needs Hypotension	Feeding intolerance Emesis Increasing pregavage residuals Bilious aspirates Abdominal exam Diminished or absent bowel sounds Increased abdominal girth Distention, presence of bowel loops Abdominal masses, especially in right lower quadrant Stool frequency and characteristics Change in stool frequency and/or characteristic Guaiac-positive stool