[Neonatal asphyxia: a care experience using hypothermic therapy]

Hypothermia therapy, used to treat hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in neonates, has been shown to effectively decrease asphyxia complications and mortality. This article reports on an experience using this therapy approach to care for a neonatal asphyxic patient. Due to our lack of an appropriate cooling device, we adjusted the number of cool water bags to successfully perform hypothermic therapy. Despite this added procedural complication, we succeeded in saving the patient's life. The holistic care process for this type of case requires family-centered care to help family members deal with the critical condition and assist parents to face depression and guilt, reduce anxiety, and reaffirm the parent-child relationship. We used hypothermia in the initial stage. Relevant standards of critical care for this condition should be established to ensure adequate nursing care safety and quality.