Advances in neonatal care : official journal of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses
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While various feeding strategies designed to optimize growth have been investigated and used in the clinical setting, the problem of not being able to recognize the warning signs of feeding intolerance early enough to prevent serious gastrointestinal complication commonly associated with very low birth-weight (VLBW) preterm infant remains. Currently, early stages of feeding intolerance are most often identified though nurse assessments. Additional methods to predict feeding intolerance in this population are needed. Currently, intra-abdominal pressure monitoring has been an effective method to predict intolerance to enteral nutrition in the adult and pediatric populations. ⋯ Development and testing of a reliable nasogastric tube monitoring device in the VLBW preterm infant population and identify predictive levels that indicate progression toward feeding intolerance is needed. Once IAP predictive levels are identified, provider interventions could be developed.
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Increasing survival rates of preterm infants and a greater understanding of the long-term consequences of early exposure to pain have generated a greater need for nonpharmacologic pain management strategies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting. Facilitated tucking supports the preterm infant and is a valuable strategy to manage neonatal pain. Alternative nonpharmacologic approaches to pain management in neonates include nonnutritive sucking and kangaroo care. ⋯ Pain management interventions are necessary to decrease the potentially unfavorable consequences of early exposure to pain and to promote positive outcomes. Additional research is indicated to discover the effects of nonpharmacologic interventions in neonates with severe illness, congenital abnormalities, and/or assisted breathing.
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Initiating early enteral intake post-surgical gastroschisis repair may result in better patient outcomes. However, there is lack of evidence and consistency in clinical practice regarding the timing of initiation of feedings, and few studies have determined best practices for post-operative nutritional management. ⋯ Consideration for future studies include incorporating strategies that combine early enteral feeding initiatives with interventions that allow for quicker onset of full enteral intake.