Care given to the newborn on phototherapy: knowledge of the nursing team

Abstract

The objective of this research is to evaluate the nursing team's knowledge about the nursing care and complications related to phototherapy. This is a prospective and descriptive study. Nursing Team Professionals (aides, technicians and nurses) of the sectors of Neonatal Nursing Service Unit, Joint Housing and Neonatal ICU of the Clinics Hospital from the Federal University from the west of Minas Gerais (Triângulo Mineiro), were interviewed about the treatment with phototherapy in the Hospital and the care given to newborns on phototherapy treatment. The subjects of the interview were: when does the phototherapy start in newborns, who assesses the development of jaundice, what are the possible side effects in newborns and who evaluate them, the care given to newborns on phototherapy and the equipment used. We noticed that more knowledge obtained by the nursing team about the care provided to the newborn and the phototherapy devices used, provided higher quality care, better and faster results and resulted in more value been given to the work of the nursing team on care.

Descriptors: Jaundice; Phototherapy; Nursing.