Keywords

neonatal intensive care unit, prematurity, quality improvement, retinopathy of prematurity

 

Authors

  1. Coe, Kristi MSN, RNC, NNP
  2. Butler, Mandy RN
  3. Reavis, Nicole RNC
  4. Klinepeter, Mary Ellen RNC
  5. Purkey, Connie RN
  6. Oliver, Tonya RNC, NNP
  7. Starbuck, Alisa RNC, NNP
  8. Griffin, Jennifer RRT
  9. Wilmoth, Cathy RRT
  10. Block, Steven MD

Abstract

Infants born prematurely have a plethora of medical problems. Some have cerebral palsy, resulting in limited mobility, while others require oxygen, hearing aids, and/or glasses for medical problems. Most of these could have been prevented if preterm birth was avoided, but efforts to curb this have been slow. This article discusses how blindness can be prevented in infants born prematurely by accepting lower oxygen saturations when on oxygen in the intensive care nursery.