EFFECT OF NESTING ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF THE NEONATES ADMITTED IN NICU

Abstract

The neonatal period is the most vulnerable time for a child’s survival. A survey in 2019 showed that children faced the highest risk of dying in their first month of life at an average global rate of 17 deaths per 1,000 live births. A quantitative, evaluative, Quasi experimental one group pre test – post test design to evaluate the effect of Nesting on the physiological parameters of the neonates admitted in NICU, was conducted w.e.f. August to December 2021 on 32 neonates through Non Probability, Total enumerative (Consecutive sampling) Sampling Technique. Data was collected through a self structured observation checklist and Modified Levine’s Conservation Model of Nursing was adopted as conceptual framework. Reliability was determined by Cronbach’s alpha test using inter rater method which was 0.756 found to be acceptable with high and significant reliability. Results: The major findings of the study showed that the Mean physiological parameters level scores before the administration of the Nesting in supine position (HR: 133.50 ± 19.56, RR: 49.88 ± 16.76, SpO₂: 94.75 ± 3.19) on Day 1, was higher than the mean level scores (HR: 130.06 ± 17.45, RR: 49.38 ± 17.78, SpO₂: 94.09 ± 3.22) after the administration of Nesting.While, the Mean physiological parameters level scores before the administration of the Nesting in lateral position (HR: 136.06 ± 15.20, SpO₂: 95.19 ± 2.75) on Day 2, was higher than the mean level scores (HR: 131 ± 17.42, SpO₂: 94.09 ± 2.85) after the administration of Nesting with a negligible difference in RR before and after the administration of Nesting (49.38 ± 16.09, 49.88 ± 16.08). Lateral position was considered a better and safe position of nesting than supine position. Decrease in the physiological parameter level scores within the normal limits, of the neonates due to the effect of Nesting, was significant & not by chance, thus rejecting the null hypothesis at p < 0.05, though much difference was not found in the RR of the neonates in both the positions. Significant association existed at p < 0.05 between the HR with the demographic variables Body weight, Gestational age (wks) and Length of stay in NICU (days)in lateral position of nesting. Significant association also existed between the RR and the demographic variables Sex and Education separately in supine and lateral position of nesting. Significant association existed between SpO₂ with the demographic variable mother’s occupation in supine position of Nesting and Postnatal age (in days) of the neonate and Residential area in lateral position of nesting, rejecting the null hypothesis. The study concluded that nesting was effective in reducing the physiological parameters of the neonates within the normal limits, especially in lateral position.