AI Search Prompt Template for NICU Nursing Actions
Here's a prompt template you can use with an AI search model to generate immediate nursing actions for NICU scenarios:
PROMPT TEMPLATE:
"A NICU nurse is caring for a [gestational age] infant who is [current age/hours of life] and presenting with [specific signs/symptoms]. The infant's current vital signs are: respiratory rate [X], heart rate [X], oxygen saturation [X]%, temperature [X]°C. Current support includes [list equipment/interventions in place].
Provide immediate nursing actions in checklist format. Focus ONLY on:
- Specific assessments to perform NOW (with exact parameters to document)
- Immediate interventions to implement
- Monitoring frequency and specific vital signs to track
- When to escalate to physician/NRT
- Safety checks to prevent complications
Do NOT provide differential diagnoses or medical treatment decisions. Format as actionable nursing tasks with specific parameters."
Example Using This Template:
Sample Scenario Input: "A NICU nurse is caring for a 34-week gestational age infant who is 6 hours old and presenting with tachypnea (respiratory rate 72/min), nasal flaring, and mild subcostal retractions. The infant's current vital signs are: respiratory rate 72, heart rate 165, oxygen saturation 88% on room air, temperature 36.8°C. Currently on nasal prong oxygen at 2L/min."
Expected Output Format:
Immediate Assessment Actions:
- Observe and document breathing pattern, color, tone, and position every 15 minutes
- Check preductal (right hand) AND postductal (foot) oxygen saturations
- Assess capillary refill, peripheral pulse quality, extremity temperature, skin mottling
- Auscultate for heart murmurs and check for hepatomegaly
Immediate Interventions:
- Titrate oxygen to maintain SpO₂ 90-95%
- Position infant with head in "sniffing" position, neck straight
- Check blood glucose and calcium levels immediately
- Maintain temperature 36.5-37.5°C with warmed blankets and head covering
Monitoring Requirements:
- Continuous pulse oximetry until stable
- Vital signs every 15-30 minutes initially
- Document urine output (goal >1 mL/kg/hr)
- Reassess after each oxygen adjustment
Escalate to Physician If:
- SpO₂ remains <90% with FiO₂ >0.5-0.6
- Respiratory rate remains >60/min after 2 hours
- Preductal-postductal SpO₂ difference >5%
- Development of apnea, severe retractions, or exhaustion signs
- Blood glucose <45 mg/dL or calcium abnormal
Safety Checks:
- Ensure infant's face visible at all times
- Verify oxygen delivery equipment connections
- Keep resuscitation equipment at bedside
- Never leave infant unattended during position changes
Tips for Using This Prompt:
Be specific with scenario details - Include exact numbers for vital signs, gestational age, and current interventions rather than vague descriptions.
Adjust complexity based on acuity - For unstable infants, request more frequent assessment intervals and stricter escalation criteria.
Include relevant history - Mention maternal factors (diabetes, infection, medications), delivery complications, or resuscitation needs that impact nursing care priorities.
Request time-based organization - Ask for "First 30 minutes" vs "Next 2 hours" vs "Ongoing" categories when managing evolving situations.
Specify equipment available - Mention what respiratory support options are accessible (CPAP, high-flow, ventilator) so recommendations match your unit's capabilities.