Effects of Positioning on Respiration Rate, Heart Rate, and Oxygen Saturation in Preterm Infants: A Cross-over Design

Authors

  • Busakorn Punthmatharith RN, PhD, Associate Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
  • Jananya Mora RN, MSN, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Hat Yai Hospital, Songkhla, Thailand

Keywords:

Heart Rate, Oxygen Saturation, Positioning, Preterm Infants, Respiration Rate

Abstract

                 Positioning is important in preterm infants. Based on previous studies, the effects of positioning on respiration rate, heart rate and oxygen saturation are still controversial. This cross–over design aimed to compare respiration rate, heart rate, and oxygen saturation of preterm infants placed in four positions; a 10-degree head-elevated supine, prone, right lateral, and right anterior oblique positions, each for 3 hours, before and after orogastric feeding with breast milk. Purposive sampling was used to select 63 preterm infants at a tertiary hospital in the south of Thailand. All infants were placed in a 10-degree head-elevated supine first, then randomly allocated to either group 1 (with the sequence prone, right lateral, and right anterior oblique; n = 21), group 2 (with the sequence right lateral, right anterior oblique, and prone; n = 21), or group 3 (with the sequence right anterior oblique, prone, and right lateral; n = 21). Between each position, infants were placed in a supine position. The data were collected using a demographic data questionnaire and a record form for respiration rate, heart rate, and oxygen saturation of preterm infants which were assessed using a bedside monitor. Analysis of variance was used to analyze the data.

                  Results revealed normal ranges with no significant differences of the means of respiration rate, heart rate, and oxygen saturation among infants placed in the four positions before, immediately after, and after feeding. Thus, nurses need to consider our findings regarding their choice of positioning preterm infants before, during and after feeding. Further research is warranted in this area.

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Published

2018-07-01

How to Cite

1.
Punthmatharith B, Mora J. Effects of Positioning on Respiration Rate, Heart Rate, and Oxygen Saturation in Preterm Infants: A Cross-over Design. PRIJNR [Internet]. 2018 Jul. 1 [cited 2024 Mar. 29];22(3):187-99. Available from: https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/PRIJNR/article/view/90626

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Original paper