The effects of neonatal hydrotherapy on selected vital signs /

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Lovelace-Chandler, Benjamin Richard, 1946-
Other Authors: Holcomb, J. David (degree committee member.), Hoyle, John R. (degree committee member.), Tolson, Homer (degree committee member.)
Format: Thesis Book
Language:English
Published: 1990.
Subjects:
Online Access:ProQuest, Abstract
Link to OAKTrust copy
Description
Abstract:This study was designed to determine and compare the physiological values of heart rate, blood pressure, and axillary temperature for healthy, preterm infants before, during, and following two 15-minute controlled temperature (99 and 102°F) baths combined with Neurodevelopmental Treatment. Results of data analyses revealed significant main effects of Period and Water Temperature and a significant interaction of Period and Water Temperature. No significant main effect was observed for Time. Conclusions: 1. Heart rate values range from 73 to 246 beats per minute before baths. 2. Heart rate increases during temperatures of 99 and 102°F. 3. Heart rate remains increased during the After-Bath Period at a temperature of 102°F but not at 99°F. 4. Systolic blood pressure values range from 38 to 135 mmHg before baths. 5. Systolic blood pressure increases during hydrotherapy baths of 99 and 102°F and remains elevated during After-Bath Period. 6. Diastolic blood pressure values range from 21 to 106 mmHg before baths. 7. Diastolic blood pressure increases during baths of 99 and 102°F and remains elevated during After-Bath Period. 8. Axillary temperature values range from 97.0 to 99.3°F before baths. 9. Axillary temperature increases during baths at 102°F but not at 99°F. 10. Axillary temperature remains elevated during After-Bath Period at 102°F but decreases during After-Bath Period at 99°F. Recommendations: 1. Further study to determine normal values and ranges for heart rate, blood pressure, and axillary temperature for preterm infants of various gestational ages; 2. further study to determine criterion values for heart rate, blood pressure, and axillary temperature which pose physiologic risk for preterm infants; 3. research to determine clinical effects of neonatal hydrotherapy at various water temperatures on vital signs; 4. research on the effects of elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and axillary temperature on preterm infants and on the effects of prolonged elevation of these values during and following hydrotherapy; 5. caregivers should be offered information on the effects of hydrotherapy on vital signs; and 6. caregivers should be advised not to exceed bath water temperatures of 102°F.
Item Description:Typescript (photocopy).
Vita.
"Major subject: Health education."
Physical Description:xiii, 118 leaves : illustrations ; 29 cm
Bibliography:Includes bibliographical references.