CareFusion Infant Flow - Routine Ncpap Care

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Routine nCPAP care
Final inspection and routine care
From the initial application of nCPAP therapy throughout
its progress, inspect the system after set-up and routinely,
every three to four hours to ensure therapy effectiveness
and infant comfort. These checks can be carried out with
other routine assessments to minimize stimulation in
the infant. The type and frequency of monitoring and
assessment carried out varies depending on each facility’s
policies and procedures and individual patient needs. This
section is only intended as suggested guidelines.
Hourly
• Verify the infant is receiving prescribed therapy, and
check for leaks.
• Check that the generator assembly is stable, secure and
not pulling upward on the nose. Should the fixation
device or generator appear to be out of alignment once
applied, disassemble the fixation device and start over.
• Inspect the fixation device and straps for proper
placement and tension. Adjust them as needed to
maintain a proper fit, using the least amount of tension
possible to maintain stability. During inspection:
º Confirm the infant’s ears are not folded and
normally positioned.
º Ensure the straps are not twisted.
º Check the humidifier chamber water level.
Assessment times (at least every three to four hours)
• Inspect the skin integrity around the nasal area for
deformities or irritation. Gently massaging the contact
area may help stimulate circulation.
• Document any changes in the condition of the
infant’s nose.
• Consider alternating the use of prong and mask
interfaces with each infant to avoid breaking down
the nasal area.
• Ensure the proper prong size. With prongs, the infant’s
septum should be clearly visible without compressed
bellows. With a mask, the infant’s eyes are visible and
nares are not blocked.
• Inspect for nasal mucosal damage due to a lack
of humidication.
• Monitor for gastric insufation and
abdominal distention.
Daily
• Document and continue assessing the nasal interface.
Include the size of the interface and any changes.
• Check the head measurement, and document the
xation device size.
Routine respiratory monitoring
• CPAP administered
• Cycle rate
• T-high setting
• MAP
• Delivered FiO
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