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Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation: Challenges to Nurses and Outcome in Extremely Preterm Babies

Rachel A Joseph1

  • 1Rachel A. Joseph is an assistant professor, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, West Chester, Pennsylvania, and a clinical nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit, Christiana Care Health Systems, Newark, Delaware. rachelajoseph@gmail.com.

Critical Care Nurse
|August 2, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Premature infant survival is improving due to technology, but challenges remain for nurses. Vigilant care and new technologies can prevent complications for extremely preterm babies.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Nursing
  • Medical Technology

Background:

  • Approximately 15 million infants are born prematurely each year globally.
  • Technological advancements, particularly invasive mechanical ventilation, significantly improve survival rates for extremely preterm infants.
  • Survivors often face prolonged illness and long-term health issues (sequelae).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the challenges nurses face in caring for hospitalized extremely preterm infants.
  • To emphasize the importance of vigilant nursing care in preventing infections and complications.
  • To discuss the potential of newer, less invasive technologies for improving infant outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • This study is a review of current practices and technologies in neonatal intensive care.
  • It synthesizes information on nursing challenges and care strategies for premature infants.
  • It explores the impact of technological advancements on infant survival and long-term health.

Main Results:

  • Invasive mechanical ventilation is crucial for the survival of extremely preterm infants.
  • Nurses play a critical role in managing care, preventing infections, and mitigating long-term sequelae.
  • Less invasive technologies show promise for enhancing patient care and outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Despite advances, caring for extremely preterm infants presents ongoing challenges for nursing staff.
  • Meticulous monitoring, careful handling, and infection prevention are essential.
  • The adoption of innovative, less invasive technologies is key to improving the prognosis for these vulnerable infants.

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