Abstract

ROLIM, Karla Maria Carneiro et al. Polyethylene wrap for maintaining the body temperature of the newborn. Rev. Enf. Ref. [online]. 2015, vol.serIV, n.6, pp.9-16. ISSN 0874-0283.  https://doi.org/10.12707/RIV14070.

Theoretical framework: Clinical area of Neonatal Nursing. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of the polyethylene wrap, identify its benefits, and describe nursing care provided to maintain the body temperature of preterm infants. Methodology: A prospective and descriptive study was conducted at the Obstetric Centre and at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Fortaleza, Brazil, between July and September 2011. The subjects were 10 preterm infants with a birth weight ≤ 1,500 grams and ≤ 32 weeks of gestational age. The infants were placed in a polyethylene bag immediately after birth and their body temperature was monitored. Results: The results show that the polyethylene wrap is effective in maintaining the body temperature of the infant during the first two hours of life. Conclusion: The polyethylene wrap is a heating resource/device used in nursing care to maintain and stabilize the infant's body temperature.

Keywords : infant newborn; premature; nursing care; body temperature regulation.

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