SIDS NCLEX Review

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the unexpected death of an infant less than one year old. It occurs most frequently during sleep in infants less than six months.

SIDS NCLEX Review Practice Questions
{{question_current_index+1}}/{{question_max_index+1}} QUESTIONS

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
{{question_current_index+1}}/{{question_max_index+1}} QUESTIONS

play-sharp-fill

Overview

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Donec non tellus ut sem commodo blandit. Suspendisse nisi orci, pellentesque faucibus dolor ut, aliquam iaculis est.

Learning Outcomes

Sed at turpis sit amet urna malesuada fermentum. Nulla convallis vehicula lobortis. Quisque dictum mauris sed tincidunt congue. Duis finibus turpis massa, sit amet porttitor est dignissim vel. Integer rhoncus sollicitudin ligula, ut feugiat dolor interdum at. Nulla sit amet odio a erat ultricies vestibulum. Aliquam erat volutpat. Curabitur tristique metus sed dapibus fringilla. Sed hendrerit viverra leo, ut consectetur metus mollis vel. Morbi ultricies nibh eu bibendum dignissim.
Other
Students
0%
answered correctly
0%
answered wrongly

Rationales

0% answered this

Test Taking Tips

Table of contents

    Introduction & Pathophysiology of SIDS

    SIDS results from underlying vulnerabilities in infants that is triggered by a specific event at a vulnerable developmental stage. The now discredited “apnea theory” of SIDS was proposed in the 1970s

    Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a dangerous intersection of three factors: a vulnerable infant, a critical developmental period in homeostatic control, and exogenous stressors. 

    While there is no known cure or treatment for SIDS, there are several nursing interventions that can help prevent SIDS and ensure the safety of infants.

    SIDS Age Range

    Though most SIDS deaths occur in babies between one and four months of age, 90% of them happen before the baby turns six months old. However, a SIDS death can happen anytime during the first year.

    SIDS peaks at two to four months, and typically occurs in the early morning hours when most babies are asleep. This suggests that sleep may be part of the pathophysiological mechanism that causes SIDS.

    Why does SIDS peak at 2-4 months?

    SIDS is most common at two to four months of age, when an infant’s cardiorespiratory system is in transition and, therefore unstable. This puts all infants in this age range at risk for breathing problems.

    Are you
    preparing
    to take the
    NCLEX?

    Signs and Symptoms of SIDS

    • Lethargy, irritability, poor muscle tone
    • Respiratory distress: Apnea or Tachypnea
    • Heart rate instability
    • Temperature instability
    • Vomiting and diarrhea 
    • Poor feeding
    • Blood glucose instability

    SIDS Risk Factors

    • Boys are at higher risk than girls
    • Low APGAR score at birth
    • Exposure to smoke
    • Bed sharing
    • Giving birth before 37 weeks gestation
    • Soft bedding material
    • Side sleeping position (versus back)

    Nursing Interventions For SIDS

    • Monitor for signs of distress or irregular breathing patterns.
    • Perform cultures and lab draws.
    • Provide IV access – as well as emotional and practical support to family (including grief counseling, referrals to support groups, and assistance with funeral arrangements).

    SIDS Client Education

    1. Place infants in the supine position during sleep
    2. Dress newborn in a wearable blanket or sleep sack
    3. Breastfeed the infant
    4. Have up to date vaccinations
    5. Ensure a smoke-free environment
    6. Provide a firm sleep surface for the infant
    7. Avoid:
      • Sleeping with the infant (NO bed-sharing, NO cosleeping)
      • Pillows
      • Loose or soft items: blankets, toys
      • Stuffed animals
      • Bumper pads on the sides of the crib

    Neonatal Sepsis

    Infection contracted by the neonate before, during, or after delivery, due to the newborn’s limited immunity and inability to localize infection, infections can spread quickly into the bloodstream.

    Neonatal sepsis is a serious medical condition affecting newborns, leading to significant morbidity and mortality.

    Clinical signs of neonatal sepsis may include fever or hypothermia, tachycardia, tachypnea, poor feeding, lethargy, and apnea.

    Photo of Amy Stricklen
    Amy Stricklen
    “

    During my exam, I could literally see and hear him going over different areas as I was answering my questions.

    This past Friday I retook my Maternity Hesi and this time, I decided for my last week of Holiday break to just watch all of his OB videos. I am proud to say that with Mike’s help I received a score of 928 on my Maternity Hesi!

    Photo of Amy Stricklen
    Amy Stricklen

    Need help with your next exam? Our proven system has helped over 1,000,000 nursing students reduce their study time, survive their nursing school lectures and PASS their exams! SimpleNursing membership offers:

    • 1,100 fun and visual videos covering the most highly tested topics in RN/PN nursing programs
    • 900+ pages of cheat sheets & done-for-you study guides
    • Test tips and memory tricks included
    See how our members are
    earning a 96% pass rate.
    Get started now For Free