Advances in neonatal care : official journal of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses
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Review
State of the science: hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and hypothermic intervention for neonates.
Perinatal asphyxia and resulting hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) occur in 1 to 3 per 1000 births in the United States. Induced hypothermia as an intervention for asphyxiated infants offers promising results in reducing neurodevelopmental disabilities in surviving infants. ⋯ Standardization of hypothermia protocols within neonatal intensive care units is essential for providing hypothermia as a treatment of HIE in infants. This article explores the pathophysiology of HIE, identifying infants at risk for HIE as a result of perinatal asphyxia, the use of hypothermic intervention for compromised infants, and barriers to the implementation of treatment.
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Our nation is on the verge of change in the healthcare system. Although we do not yet know how this change will affect our patients, our practice, or us, we do know that with change comes opportunity. We have the opportunity to become more involved in health policy and advocacy than ever before. ⋯ Nurses must learn the fundamental principles of expressing themselves and making clear requests for what they want of their elected officials. With these skills, every nurse can become an advocate in the political arena and partner with other individuals or groups to facilitate change. Nurses who find this experience rewarding and exhilarating can pursue additional education in health policy and advocacy.