The Effect of Nursing Practices on the Near Infrared Spectroscopy Levels of Premature Infants

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the effect of nursing care practices on the Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) levels of premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Materials and Method: This is a cross-sectional, analytical study. It was conducted over the in the NICU of a hospital in Eskişehir province. We did not calculate sample size, but included in the study, after the parents had been informed about the research, the entire universe of neonates in the NICU who matched the inclusion criteria during the period March 1 - April 26, 2019. The study was completed with 40 neonates. Data collection was performed with a “Descriptive Data Form,” and a “Procedures Performed Chart.” The data were evaluated with the IBM SPSS 24 package program. Results: A significant difference was discovered between the nursing care practices included in the study and the neonates’ Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) values, oxygen saturation (SpO2), and peak heart rates (PHR) (p<0.01). Conclusion and Recommendations: At the end of the study, we concluded that the nursing care practices conducted with premature infants had an adverse impact on cerebral oxygenation. We suggest that nursing practices carried out with premature infants be executed with sensitivity and care; no unnecessary practice should be implemented, and lengthy collective care practices should be divided into convenient increments so that the neonates are allowed to rest in-between. Keywords: Nursing care, NIRS, premature, neonate, neonatal intensive care unit This study was sponsored by a University Scientific Research Projects Unit. Project code: 2018-2334