Segurança do recém-nascido prematuro no ambiente hospitalar: cuidados de enfermagem

Abstract

Introduction: Prematurity, or birth before 37 weeks of gestation, can lead to serious complications in the baby’s development, as they face higher risks of mortality and physical and neurological developmental problems. In this context, the objective of this research was to describe nursing care aimed at ensuring the safety of premature newborns in the hospital setting. Methodology: The study is a narrative review that included articles available free of charge, limited to the last ten years, in Portuguese, collected on December, 2024. Data sources used: Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), Nursing Database (BDENF), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO). The descriptors employed were: “Premature newborn,” “Patient safety,” and “Nursing care,” combined using the boolean operator “AND.” Results: A total of 33 publications were identified, narrowed down to 8 (eight) scientific articles after a thorough reading. A critical analysis was conducted on 5 (five) selected scientific articles. Studies indicate that quality prenatal care and safe nursing practices in the hospital setting are crucial to reducing risks. Identified nursing care practices include correct patient identification, proper baby positioning, use of Personal Protective Equipment (gloves, masks), safe peripheral venous puncture, comfort, stress and pain reduction, prevention of complications such as infections, and humanized support. After hospital discharge, care for premature infants still requires advances, especially in emotional and social support. Conclusion: The research reinforces the importance of standardized protocols and checklists to ensure the safety of premature babies. It also highlights the need for continuous training of healthcare professionals and greater family involvement in care. Thus, nursing plays an essential role not only in the execution of technical care but also in promoting more humanized and safer care to improve the well-being, safety, and development of these babies.