Level of knowledge of midwives and pediatric nurses for oxygen therapy in neonates and infants

Abstract The theoretical part of the thesis focuses on oxygen therapy of mature and premature newborns, particularly as a part of resuscitation. The thesis summarizes general findings about postpartum adaptation of individual groups of newborns and about immediate care provided in the delivery room. The theoretical part also deals with a nursing care of newborns and young babies requiring ventilation support in the hospital neonatology ward. The practical part surveyed both theoretical knowledge and practical skills of pediatric nurses and midwives. The survey used quantitative inquiry and observation. Anonymous questionnaires were distributed to midwives and pediatric nurses working at the gynecology-obstetrics and neonatology wards in the hospitals in České Budějovice (Nemocnice České Budějovice, a. s.) and in Benešov (Nemocnice Rudolfa a Stefanie Benešov, a.s.) The observation was conducted during my practice at the neonatology ward in the hospital in České Budějovice. The thesis had one formulated objective and two related hypotheses. The objective was to determine the level of knowledge of midwives and pediatric nurses about the principles of treatment of newborns and young babies with oxygen. The objective has been met. Hypothesis 1: ?I believe that the level of knowledge of midwives and pediatric nurses about the oxygen treatment of newborns and young babies is sufficient? has been confirmed. Hypothesis 2: ?The nursing team in the delivery room is familiar with the current recommendations for application of oxygen during resuscitation of newborns in the delivery room? has been confirmed. This bachelor degree thesis may serve to future students of midwife profession as a study material and source of information. Moreover, the thesis might be used as an educational material for midwives and pediatric nurses working in delivery rooms and at neonatology in-patient wards