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Hi, I was wondering if anyone took care of a 23/24 weeker that was not on a vent?

I was talking with the neo I Work with on how I rather take care of a 24 weeker than a term infant. she agreed and I said, 'you know to intubate right away.' The nnp then had to correct me and said, actually not right away and we might be intervening too soon.

So, I would like to know how many nicu nurses took care of micro premies that weren't on a vent. Thank you for your time! I really appreciate it

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Specializes in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

Under 25 gets incubated. 25 and over gets a NIPPV trial (in & out surf if needed).

So no, no 23/24 weekers not intubated (although NIPPV & CPAP uses a vent so the age is actually a lot higher without the vent)

*In my unit. YMMV

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Specializes in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

Ugh autocorrect....

*intubated

I even fixed it and it autocorrected back to incubated.

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Specializes in NICU.

Volutrauma is a real thing and contributes to BPD. If the baby can handle it (i.e. no terrible apnea spells, growing well, etc), keeping them off the vent is the best thing.

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Specializes in Adult and pediatric emergency and critical care.

I have yet to see a premie that early not require intubation, but I also don't think that was the NPs concern. We should be providing care as it is needed on an individual basis, not simply based on gestation. Intubation, just like any other invasive procedure, has risks and benefits.

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