The Effects of Positioning After Extubation of Preterm Infants on the Respiratory Functions

Overview

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of positioning on respiratory functions of preterm infants after extubation. Hypothesis 0a (H0a): There is no difference between the oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels of preterm infants in supine and prone positions after extubation. Hypothesis 0b (H0b): There is no difference between the respiratory rate of preterm infants in supine and prone positions after extubation. Hypothesis 0c (H0c): There is no difference between the respiratory rhythms of preterm infants in supine and prone positions after extubation. Hypothesis 0d (H0d): There is no difference between respiratory distress in preterm infants in supine and prone positions after extubation.

Among infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the ones in the high and medium risk group are premature infants. Respiratory distress is the most important problem in infants with a history of preterm birth due to undeveloped systems and organs. Especially premature infants need respiratory support in the NICU. The most important stage of supportive treatment is the application of mechanical ventilation with endotracheal intubation. Newborns receiving mechanical ventilation support should be checked constantly Considering that endotracheal intubation may cause extreme stress and traumatic effects on premature babies, it should be ensured that premature babies get through the ventilation process and afterward with minimal trauma. This will positively affect the adaptation process after the termination of intubation. The neonatal nurse continuously monitors the changes in heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, SpO2, respiratory characteristics and number of infants receiving mechanical ventilation and records them in the patient follow-up form. The nurse tries to provide the most ideal respiratory form in infants with mechanical ventilation. For this reason, neonatal nurses should provide individualized developmental nursing care by considering all the physiological needs of premature babies in order to provide the most ideal respiratory form. The use of individualized care models in premature babies increases the health quality and social cohesion of preterm babies. It fastens the physiological recovery, shortens the hospital stay and increases neurodevelopmental functions. Positionig is one of the most important developmental supportive activities. It is important in nursing care to position the preterm babies appropriately and to ensure its continuity according to their needs. It is recommended that preterm infants with respiratory distress in the NICU should be placed in the supine position after extubation when respiratory patterns are stabilized. It has been observed that the prone position increases oxygen saturation in premature babies, shortens the duration of mechanical ventilator therapy, decreases re-intubation after extubation, decreases neonatal apnea, and contributes to the development of respiratory muscles and positively affects respiratory functions. In addition, the prone position increases the lung capacity of preterm infants. Studies show that the prone position improves diaphragmatic function, increases lung perfusion, and has positive effects on respiratory functions. In another study, it was stated that the prone position is a safe and healthy process according to the order of separation from mechanical ventilation and may contribute to the success of separation from mechanical ventilation in preterm infants \[4\]. The neonatal nurse should be aware of the importance of positioning and should be able to position the newborn baby when needed in routine care practices. During the respiratory system intubation period and after extubation, the effects of the positioning on the respiratory functions of the preterm should be observed and the position with the highest benefit should be taken into consideration when performing individualized nursing care. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of positioning on respiratory functions of preterm infants after extubation.