Role and responsibility of nurse during care of neonates undergoing phototherapy

Abstract

Phototherapy is a safe, effective method for decreasing or preventing the rise of serum unconjugated bilirubin levels and reduces the need for exchange transfusion in neonates. The aim of phototherapy is to decrease the level of unconjugated bilirubin in order to prevent acute bilirubin encephalopathy, hearing loss and kernicterus. Mainly 5 types of jaundice- pathological jaundice, physiological jaundice, breast milk jaundice, breastfeeding jaundice, and jaundice of prematurity. Phototherapy works by 3 process Configurational isomerization, Structural isomerization, and oxidation. In phototherapy Blue light- emitting diodes (LEDs), Fluorescent special blue light, Halogen white light, Fiberoptic blankets, and Biliblanket - blue halogen light or pends are used to deliver phototherapy. Electric shock, Hypothermia, Hyperthermia, bronze baby syndrome shows as complication of phototherapy. In the nursing role and responsibility of nurse during phototherapy firstly preparation of phototherapy, nursing care of neonates during phototherapy, Nurses role while terminating the phototherapy.