Preterm infants are born after 20 weeks' gestation but before the completion of 3-7 weeks' gestation. Because of cardiopulmonary, gastrointestinal, and neuromuscular immaturity, preterm infants are at high risk for respiratory complications during bottle feedings. The purpose of this integrated review of literature was to compile evidence based nursing interventions to decrease respiratory distress during bottle feedings.
Research findings were obtained through searches conducted in the CINAHL, Health Source, and MEDLINE databases. Results indicated that assessment of feeding readiness prior to the initiation of bottle-feeding was either lacking or inconsistent among neonatal units. Many hospitals lack protocols, failing to provide specific guidelines for the initiation of bottle-feeding with preterm infants. Feeding techniques such as external pacing, how the bottle was held, and oral support were statistically significant in positively influencing successful bottle-feeding. Because feeding criteria is limited and inconsistent, the risk of overlooking factors necessary for clinical decision-making to prevent respiratory distress is increased. Further research addressing the management of preterm infants during bottle feedings is needed to clarify which interventions are the most effective in preventing respiratory distress while promoting adequate nutritional intake.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ucf.edu/oai:stars.library.ucf.edu:honorstheses1990-2015-1974 |
| Date | 01 January 2010 |
| Creators | Borges, Juliana |
| Publisher | STARS |
| Source Sets | University of Central Florida |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Source | HIM 1990-2015 |
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