ABSTRACT
Caring for infants with haematological disorders presents the neonatal nurse with many challenges. In order to correctly interpret clinical signs, monitor changes and provide information to support parents, a background knowledge of the haematological system is necessary. This chapter will review four of the more common haematological disorders in the newborn: jaundice, haemorrhagic disease of the newborn (Vitamin K deficient bleeding), disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and anaemia. The pathophysiology and treatment modalities of each condition will be presented to enable the nurse to anticipate problems, assess the effectiveness of treatment and limit complications that may impact on the infant.
