Name of the Procedure:

Car Seat/Bed Testing for Airway Integrity, Infants 12 Months or Younger

Summary

This procedure involves continuous monitoring of an infant's airway integrity while they are placed in a car seat or bed. Clinical staff observe the infant and continuously record pulse oximetry, heart rate, and respiratory rate over a 60-minute period. The results are analyzed and a report is generated to ensure the infant's safety in these situations.

Purpose

The procedure is used to identify potential respiratory issues that an infant might experience when positioned in a car seat or bed. The primary goal is to ensure that the infant can maintain proper airway integrity and adequate oxygen levels in these positions, reducing the risk of respiratory distress.

Indications

• Preterm infants (<37 weeks gestational age)
• Infants with diagnosed or suspected respiratory conditions
• Infants with low birth weight
• Infants with recent surgeries or medical conditions affecting breathing

• Infants who have experienced apnea or bradycardia

  Preparation

• No specific fasting or medication adjustments are required.
• Ensure the infant has had a recent feeding.
• Parents or guardians should bring the infant’s car seat or photo of the setup of where the infant sleeps.

Procedure Description

1. The infant is placed in their car seat or bed as they would be for travel or sleep.
2. Continuous monitoring of pulse oximetry, heart rate, and respiratory rate is initiated.
3. Clinical staff observes the infant throughout the 60-minute duration.
4. Data is recorded and analyzed to identify any periods of oxygen desaturation, abnormal heart rate, or respiratory distress.
5. A detailed report is generated providing the interpretation of the collected data.

Duration

The procedure typically lasts 60 minutes.

Setting

The procedure is performed in a hospital or outpatient clinic where continuous monitoring and immediate medical intervention can be provided if necessary.

Personnel

• A pediatrician or neonatologist
• Registered nurses with training in infant monitoring
• Respiratory therapists (optional)

Risks and Complications

• Minimal risk as the procedure is non-invasive.
• Possible minor skin irritation from the pulse oximeter sensor.
• Risk of respiratory distress needing immediate intervention, though this is the condition the test aims to identify so it can be managed promptly.

Benefits

• Ensures the infant can safely maintain open airways and proper oxygen levels while in a car seat or bed.
• Early identification and management of potential respiratory issues.
• Peace of mind for caregivers with assurance that the infant can safely be positioned in these common settings.

Recovery

• No recovery period is necessary.
• Infants can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure.
• Follow-up may be required if any issues are identified during the test.

Alternatives

• Observation of the infant in a hospital nursery or NICU setting.
• Continuous home monitoring with appropriate medical devices but requires strict supervision and potential stress for caregivers.
• Other non-invasive monitoring methods may be less comprehensive and may not capture position-specific respiratory issues.

Patient Experience

• The infant may be unaware of the monitoring equipment as it is non-intrusive.
• Some infants may experience mild discomfort from the pulse oximeter sensor.
• Parents can remain with the infant throughout the process to provide comfort and reassurance.