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Common procedures and tests

Your baby may require a number of routine tests or procedures during his/her time on the Neonatal Unit and we will not specifically ask for your permission to perform these. Doctors and nurses will be happy for you to ask questions and to discuss the results of any tests with you.

Consent

There are some procedures, treatments and research programmes that may require you to give your consent (permission), either verbally after discussion with a doctor or in some cases by completing a written consent form (surgery, hearing screening, PKU blood test , immunisations).

Communication and confidentiality

Your baby’s medical and nursing notes are legal documents and remain the property of the Trust. Information regarding your baby’s condition will only be shared with parents and other relevant health professionals, such as your baby’s GP or health visitor.

 

Monitoring your baby

Frequently after the initial assessment, babies are monitored to provide a continuous assessment while they may be unwell or premature. The monitors are at the cot space and look like a computer screen. The monitors are set to alarm outside the parameters set by the neonatal staff. The alarms can be one of the most frightening aspects for parents in the Neonatal Unit. Staff will always respond to the alarms, but frequently the alarms sound if the baby wriggles or if one of the probes is dislodged. Monitors are a guide to your baby’s wellbeing and the staff will also observe closely any changes in your baby’s colour and condition.

Heart rate and breathing are monitored by placing three soft, sticky electrodes (ECG electrodes) to your baby’s chest and abdomen. Blood pressure can be monitored by two methods. The non-invasive method requires a small cuff that fits either around the arm or leg (similar to how most adults have their blood pressure taken). Sometimes babies require more continuous blood pressure monitoring. This is achieved by connecting a blood pressure device to an arterial line inserted by the doctors. The arterial line is also beneficial because bloods can be taken from it without disturbing the babies.

Oxygen levels are monitored by a small non – invasive probe, which is usually placed either on the hands or feet. The probe picks up the oxygen saturation of the baby and helps determine whether the baby requires additional oxygen or respiratory support.

Temperature monitoring is achieved by intermittently placing a temperature probe under the arm. If the baby requires (del) continuous temperature monitoring a probe is placed on to the skin with a small sticky patch over it to hold it in place.

Equipment to help with your baby's breathing

Many babies when admitted to the neonatal unit require some assistance with their breathing. There are many reasons why they might need assistance, for example: Prematurity, infection or birth problems. The duration of assistance can vary from a few hours to weeks or months. There are 4 methods of assisting babies with breathing on the neonatal unit. The decision for respiratory support is made following several investigations: clinical observation, x-rays and blood gas analysis.

Ventilators are machines which do the work of breathing for your baby. The doctors insert a small tube (called an endotracheal tube), via the mouth down into your baby’s trachea (wind pipe).This is secured with a ties and a bonnet. The machine rate and air/oxygen level will be set to your baby’s requirements by doctors and monitored closely.

Nasal Prong CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). CPAP is used to assist your baby’s own breathing. The effort of breathing for some babies, especially premature babies is tiring. CPAP delivers a constant small pressure set on the machine and which helps to keep the lungs expanded. Oxygen is delivered via the CPAP as required (del) via nasal prongs, which are placed in your baby’s nose and secured by ties and a bonnet.

Vapotherm (High Flow Therapy) often used when your baby has weaned off ventilation or CPAP. The vapotherm machine delivers an air/oxygen flow via nasal cannula inserted into your baby’s nose. The vapotherm prongs are less bulky than CPAP, which makes handling your baby easier, and more comfortable for your baby. The vapotherm pressure will be gradually weaned down, which can be days or weeks/months depending on your baby’s requirements.

Nasal Prong Oxygen is used when your baby does not need any pressure support for breathing but requires oxygen. The oxygen is delivered via nasal cannula.