3.1  Assess and classify the young infant

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. Sepsis occurs when infection spreads to the bloodstream. Meningitis is an infection of the thin tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord.

A young infant can become sick and die very quickly from serious bacterial infections such as pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis. Therefore if a young infant is brought to you because they are, or appear to be, sick it is important that you assess the infant carefully.

Learning Outcomes for Study Session 3

3.1.1  Gaining the mother’s trust