Prevention of environmental alterations which have an impact on the neurodevelopment of neonates at the NICU: Specialized Nursing Interventions

Abstract

The object of this review was to identify the main interventions which the neonatal specialist nurse must perform on neonates’ preventive care during environmental alterations at the NICU.

Theoretical frame: The environment at the NICUs is designed to clinically sustain the frail premature newborn, however; it still contrasts with an optimal healthy intrauterine environment.

Methodology: A systematized database search on CINAHL, Medline, Lilacs and Scielo was carried out to identify data on environmental alterations at the NICU and consequently, propose specialized nursing interventions.

Results: The nursing specialized staff accomplishes fundamental functions to address the environmental alterations which have an impact on the neuro­development of neonates at the NICU, and here, specialized interventions offering an optimal neonatal care are proposed.