CARE OF CHILD IN INCUBATOR

INCUBATOR

“Incubare” latin = to lie on

A microenvironment to place newborns who are at high risk, for maintenance of temperature and humidity.

PURPOSES

Maintenance of thermo neutral ambient temperature.

Provision of desired humidity and oxygenation.

Observation of very sick neonates.

Isolation of newborn babies from infection, unfavorable external environment and stimulations.

INDICATION

Premature babies

Babies with low birth weight (<1500gm)

Hypothermic child (<320C)

Sick children

Also used in case of transportation of babies from one hospital to another.

Also used to shift babies within the hospital for various investigations. E.g, CT Scan and MRI.

TYPES

1. Portable

2. Standard

PARTS OF AN INCUBATOR

Hood / canopyCabinetAccess panelMattressArm port holesBassinet Latch release

Control panel Oxygen inlet Thermostat Air inlet filter Access port Caster lock Levers

DISPLAY

Air temperature

Patient temperature

Control temperature

PROCEDURE1. Warm and oxygenate the incubator as you

receive the message of expected arrival of neonate, generally 10-15 minutes earlier.

2. Check the physician’s order.

3. Explain the needs of incubator care to the parents of neonate.

4. Adjust the incubation parameters and maintain, follow the chart.

5. Remove the cloths of the neonate and place inside the incubator.

6. Provide meticulous care as long neonate remains inside.

7. Continue care through port hole.

8. Report to the doctor if baby is not maintaining the temperature, generally after two abnormal readings.

9. Do not bring the neonate out without justifiable cause.

10. Document time and condition of the neonate

11. No alarm should be ignored

NURSING CARE OF CHILD

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