Practice of continuous positive airway pressure application in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Cross sectional study

Abstract

Background

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a simple, inexpensive, and gentle mode of respiratory support for neonates.This is beneficial for spontaneously breathing neonates by maintaining functional residual capacity in the alveoli to prevent atelectasis and improve oxygen exchange. The aim of this study was to assess the practice of continuous positive airway pressure application in neonatal intensive care.

Methods

A hospital based prospective observational descriptive study was conducted on 60 neonates from March 15, 2022 to July 30, 2022 at NICU Unit at XXX Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, July 2022, North-west Ethiopia.

Descriptive statistical analysis with SPSS version 25 was used.

Results

The overall practice of CPAP use were (73.4%), with assessment of parameters such as initial nursing care before initiation of CPAP (82.2%), Setting up of CPAP (94.1%), preparing the Baby for CPAP (65.3%), Connecting the nasal prong system to the neonate (50%), Methods of Securing CPAP device (96.7%), Performing safety check for Troubleshooting in CPAP (78.3%) and Monitor of CPAP and On-going assessments (46.6%).

Conclusion

The practice of CPAP application was good at Initial nursing care before initiation of CPAP, Setting up of CPAP, and Methods of Securing CPAP device. However, there was poor practice in connecting the nasal prong system to the neonate, preparing the Baby for CPAP, performing safety checks for troubleshooting in CPAP, Monitoring of CPAP and On-going assessments.