Impacto de uma intervenção educativa no manejo da hipotermia terapêutica neonatal: estudo quase experimental / Impact of an educational intervention in the management of neonatal therapeutic hypothermia: a quasi-experimental study

Introdução: A hipotermia terapêutica é o tratamento indicado para encefalopatia moderada a grave em recém-nascidos. A terapia requer uma equipe de enfermagem capacitada e integrada, visando um cuidado qualificado, efetivo e seguro. Modelos teóricos têm sido desenvolvidos para auxiliar a incorporação de evidências científicas à prática dos enfermeiros, representando um desafio na área da saúde. A implementação de uma intervenção educativa, guiada pela estrutura i-PARIHS (Estrutura Integrada de Promoção da Ação na Implementação de Pesquisa em Serviços de Saúde), poderá preencher a lacuna entre a teoria e a prática, beneficiando a assistência e tornando os sujeitos ativos no manejo do recém-nascido em hipotermia terapêutica. Objetivo geral: avaliar o impacto de uma intervenção educativa, guiada pelo referencial teórico i-PARIHS, sobre o manejo do recém-nascido com asfixia perinatal em hipotermia terapêutica na unidade intensiva neonatal no conhecimento, atitudes e práticas de enfermeiros. Objetivos específicos: analisar o conhecimento, atitude e prática dos enfermeiros sobre o manejo do recém-nascido com asfixia perinatal em hipotermia terapêutica pré e pós-intervenção educativa; identificar as barreiras e facilitadores percebidos pelos enfermeiros sobre o manejo do recém-nascido com asfixia perinatal em hipotermia terapêutica na unidade intensiva neonatal; implementar uma intervenção educativa, guiada pelo referencial i-PARIHS, para melhorar o conhecimento, a atitude e a prática dos enfermeiros sobre o manejo do recém-nascido com asfixia perinatal em hipotermia terapêutica na unidade intensiva neonatal; comparar o conhecimento, atitude e prática dos enfermeiros após a intervenção educativa e os indicadores quanto ao manejo do recém-nascido com asfixia perinatal em hipotermia terapêutica. Método: trata-se de um estudo de intervenção, do tipo quase-experimental, realizado com 29 enfermeiros de uma unidade intensiva neonatal, referência no Rio de Janeiro. O desfecho principal: conhecimento, atitudes e práticas dos enfermeiros no manejo do recém-nascido com asfixia perinatal em hipotermia terapêutica na unidade intensiva neonatal A intervenção compreendeu três fases: pré-intervenção - intervenção educativa- pós-intervenção. A intervenção educativa contou com cinco encontros: "Asfixia Perinatal x Hipotermia Terapêutica", "Controle da temperatura", "Cuidados de enfermagem na HT: avaliação de dor", "Monitoramento neurológico" e "Cuidado Centrado na Família". Para a análise estatística utilizou-se de análise descritiva e aplicação dos testes Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney e Mc Nemar, sendo o nível de significância adotado de 0,05. Resultados: a análise dos resultados do pré e pós-teste demonstrou um incremento no escore de acertos das questões sobre conhecimento, atitude e prática dos enfermeiros no manejo do recém-nascido submetido à hipotermia terapêutica na unidade intensiva neonatal, apresentando significância estatística para a maioria dos itens. Para a inovação foram construídos lembretes, fluxo de admissão para recém-nascido da instituição e uma cartilha para os pais como produto da intervenção com os enfermeiros. Conclusão: O resultado das auditorias realizadas, após a implementação das evidências, constatou uma transformação positiva da prática dos enfermeiros. A utilização da estrutura i-PARIHS evidenciou a necessidade e o valor de investir no engajamento das partes interessadas, na avaliação colaborativa do contexto e na cocriação de inovação usando facilitação qualificada. A intervenção educativa, guiada pela estrutura i-PARIHS, mostrou ter impacto no manejo do recém-nascido submetido à hipotermia terapêutica por enfermeiros.

Introduction: Therapeutic hypothermia is the currently indicated treatment for moderate to severe encephalopathy in newborns. Therapy requires a trained and integrated nursing team, aiming at qualified, effective and safe care. Theoretical models have been developed to help the incorporation of scientific evidence into nurses' practice, representing a challenge in the health area. The implementation of an educational intervention, guided by the i-PARIHS (Integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services Framework) framework, can fill the gap between theory and professional practice, benefiting care and making subjects active in the management of newborns with therapeutic hypothermia. General objective: to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention guided by the theoretical framework i-PARIHS, on the management of newborns with perinatal asphyxia in therapeutic hypothermia in the neonatal intensive care unit on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of nurses. Specific objectives: to analyze the knowledge, attitude and practice of nurses on the management of newborns with perinatal asphyxia in pre- and post-educational therapeutic hypothermia; to identify barriers and facilitators perceived by nurses on the management of newborns with perinatal asphyxia in therapeutic hypothermia in the neonatal intensive care unit; implement an educational intervention, guided by the i-PARIHS framework, to improve nurses' knowledge, attitude and practice on the management of newborns with perinatal asphyxia in therapeutic hypothermia in the neonatal intensive care unit and compare the knowledge, attitude and practice of nurses after the participatory educational intervention program and indicators regarding the management of newborns with perinatal asphyxia in therapeutic hypothermia. Method: this is a quasi-experimental intervention study carried out with 29 nurses from a neonatal intensive care unit, a reference in Rio de Janeiro. The main outcome: knowledge, attitudes and practices of nurses in the management of newborns with perinatal asphyxia in therapeutic hypothermia in the neonatal intensive unit The intervention comprised three phases: pre-intervention - educational intervention - post-intervention. The educational intervention had five meetings: "Perinatal Asphyxia x Therapeutic Hypothermia", "Temperature control", "Nursing care in HT: pain assessment", "Neurological monitoring" and "Family-Centered Care". For the statistical analysis, descriptive analysis and application of the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney and Mc Nemar tests were used, with the adopted significance level of 0.05. Results: the analysis of pre- and post-test results showed an increase in the correct score of questions about nurses' knowledge and practices in the management of newborns submitted to therapeutic hypothermia in the neonatal intensive care unit, showing statistical significance for most items. For innovation, reminders, admission flow for newborns at the institution and a booklet for parents were created as a product of the intervention with nurses. Conclusion: The result of the audits carried out, after the implementation of the evidence, found a positive transformation of the nurses' practice. Using the i-PARIHS framework highlighted the need and value of investing in stakeholder engagement, collaborative context assessment, and co-creation of innovation using qualified facilitation. The educational intervention guided by the i-PARIHS framework was shown to have an impact on the management of newborns with perinatal asphyxia in therapeutic hypothermia by nurses.

System Specific Effects of Therapeutic Hypothermia with Neonatal Encephalopathy: Pearls for Clinicians.

Neonatal encephalopathy (NE) is defined as a condition of impaired neurological function often caused by a peripartum event that impairs gas exchange resulting in hypoxia, hypercapnia, cerebral ischemia, and metabolic acidosis. NE is a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is the standard of care for the treatment of moderate and severe NE and has significantly improved long-term outcomes for affected infants. There are extensive systemic physiologic effects associated with TH that clinicians need to be aware of to optimize care for these infants. There is a paucity of literature that comprehensively identifies causal relationships between the physiologic and biochemical effects of TH. This can leave neonatal clinicians devoid of a comprehensive understanding of the medical management of NE. Therefore, this article seeks to help fill this gap, improve clinician knowledge base, and ultimately improve the care of infants undergoing TH.

Provision of Sedation and Treatment of Seizures During Neonatal Therapeutic Hypothermia.

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) produces a high rate of long-term neurodevelopmental disability in survivors. Therapeutic hypothermia dramatically improves the incidence of intact survival, but does not eliminate adverse outcomes. The ideal provision of sedation and treatment of seizures during therapeutic hypothermia represent therapeutic targets requiring optimization in practice. Physiologic stress from therapeutic hypothermia may obviate some of the benefits of this therapy. Morphine is commonly utilized to provide comfort, despite limited empiric evidence supporting safety and efficacy. Dexmedetomidine represents an interesting alternative, with preclinical data suggesting direct efficacy against shivering during induced hypothermia and neuroprotection in the setting of HIE. Pharmacokinetic properties must be considered when utilizing either agent, with safety dependent on conservative dosing and careful monitoring. HIE is the leading cause of neonatal seizures. Traditional therapies, including phenobarbital, fosphenytoin, and benzodiazepines, control seizures in the vast majority of neonates. Concerns about the acute and long-term effects of these agents have led to the exploration of alternative anticonvulsants, including levetiracetam. Unfortunately, levetiracetam is inferior to phenobarbital as first-line therapy for neonatal seizures. Considering both the benefits and risks of traditional anticonvulsant agents, treatment should be limited to the shortest duration indicated, with maintenance therapy reserved for neonates at high risk for recurrent seizures.

Cuidados de Enfermería en el tratamiento con hipotermia en la encefalopatía hipóxico-isquémica del recién nacido / Nursing care in hypothermia treatment for newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

Objetivo: analizar la evidencia científica disponible sobre el tratamiento con hipotermia y los cuidados de Enfermería en la encefalopatía hipóxico-isquémica del recién nacido. Método: revisión narrativa de la literatura. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en diferentes bases de datos, plataformas, bibliotecas y repositorios, que incluían entre otras PubMed, Cochrane, Lilacs, Enfispo, Cuiden, Scielo, etc. Se usaron los términos combinados "hipoxia- isquemia encefálica", "hipotermia inducida", "recién nacido" y "atención de Enfermería". La búsqueda se limitó a artículos científicos de neonatología y pediatría, publicados entre 2006 y 2017, en castellano o inglés. Resultados: se identificaron 29 estudios que hacían referencia al tratamiento con hipotermia en la encefalopatía hipóxico-isquémica (EHI) del recién nacido, así como de los cuidados de Enfermería. Diversos estudios han demostrado que la hipotermia aplicada antes de las seis horas de vida y mantenida durante 72 horas, reduce la mortalidad y lesiones cerebrales. Existe controversia en su aplicación en la encefalopatía hipóxico-isquémica severa o moderada, pero en las dos se obtienen resultados favorables. No hay ninguna terapia que combinada con la hipotermia mejore su eficacia. El éxito de este tratamiento requiere del esfuerzo de un equipo multidisciplinar. La profesión enfermera tiene un papel fundamental en su aplicación y ha de incluir también la atención a los padres durante todo el proceso. Conclusiones: la evidencia disponible apoya que la hipotermia inducida reduce la mortalidad y las secuelas neurológicas en recién nacidos afectados. Queda pendiente un mayor control a lo largo de los años de estos neonatos. Son necesarias otras estrategias que combinadas con la hipotermia inducida reduzcan el impacto de la encefalopatía hipóxico-isquémica

Objective: to analyze the scientific evidence available about hypothermia treatment and Nursing care for newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Method: a narrative review of literature. A bibliographic search was conducted in different databases, platforms, libraries and repositories, including PubMed, Cochrane, Lilacs, Enfispo, Cuiden, Scielo, etc. The following combined terms were used: "hipoxia- isquemia encefálica" (hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy), "hipotermia inducida" (induced hypothermia), "recién nacido" (newborn) and "atención de Enfermería" (Nursing care). The search was limited to scientific articles on Neonatology and Paediatrics published between 2006 and 2017, in Spanish and English. Results: twenty-nine (29) studies were identified regarding hypothermia treatment for newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) as well as Nursing care. Different studies have demonstrated that applying hypothermia before the first 6 hours of life, and maintaining it for 72 hours, will reduce mortality and brain damage. There is some controversy regarding its application in severe or moderate hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, but favourable results are obtained in both. No therapy will improve the efficacy of hypothermia when used in combination. The success of this treatment requires the effort of a multidisciplinary team. Nurses as professionals will play an essential role in its application, with must also include care for parents during the entire process. Conclusions: the evidence available supports that induced hypothermia will reduce mortality and neurological consequences in newborns. Further follow-up over the years should be conducted in these newborns. Other strategies are required, to be used in combination with induced hypothermia, for a reduction in the impact of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

Detecting fetal compromise during active labour and managing neonatal after-effects.

Evaluating fetal wellbeing during the intrapartum period to detect fetal compromise and hypoxia is a topic of considerable importance to midwives. In part this is because the events during this time can have profound significance for the physical and emotional wellbeing of all those involved, including the infant, mother and midwife. This article explores the ways midwives can detect fetal compromise, what they can do to limit the effects of cerebral hypoxic-ischaemia, and reviews neonatal treatments that,can optimise infant neurological outcome.

Feasibility of Air Transport Simulation Training: A Case Series.

Limited clinical site availability and an increased need for clinical training experiences often make it difficult for prehospital health care providers to complete new and annual training requirements. Medical simulation provides an alternative learning environment that provides trainees the opportunity to acquire and perfect new clinical skills without compromising patient care. The following is a detailed description of an air medical transport simulation of a neonate with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy requiring transport to a higher level of care. Patient parameters were altered during flight to simulate potential complications unique to air medical transport. Use of this training strategy is particularly beneficial for low-volume, high-risk patients, and these lessons can be applied across all age patient groups, making the experience broadly applicable.

Computed tomography diagnosis of neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy combined with intracranial hemorrhage and clinical nursing treatment.

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), one of the common causes of newborn invalidism, is likely to induce nervous system-associated sequelae and even intracranial hemorrhage in severe cases. The incidence rate of HIE has been rising in recent years. In order to study the clinical nursing effect for HIE combined with intracranial hemorrhage, 76 newborns diagnosed with HIE combined with intracranial hemorrhage by spiral computed tomography (CT) from the of Binzhou People’s Hospital, Shandong, China were selected. They were divided into a control group and an intervention group. The control group received routine nursing, while the intervention group received comprehensive nursing intervention. The experimental results suggested that the mental developmental index (MDI) value and the psychomotor developmental index (PDI) value of patients in the intervention group were much higher than those of the control group and the difference was significant (p<0.05). The curative effect of the intervention group was remarkably better than that of the control group and the difference was also statistically significant (p less than 0.05). Moreover, the intervention group had a lower incidence rate of untoward reactions. All the findings suggest that comprehensive nursing intervention can help newborns diagnosed with HIE combined with intracranial hemorrhage recover more effectively, therefore is worth applying.

Amplitude-Integrated Electroencephalography Interpretation During Therapeutic Hypothermia: An Educational Program and Novel Teaching Tool.

Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is now considered a standard in tertiary NICUs. Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) is an important adjunct to this therapy and is gaining acceptance for use on the neonatal population. It can be easily incorporated into practice with appropriate education and training. Current publications are lacking regarding nursing care of neonatal patients undergoing th with the use of aEEG. This article presents a broad educational program as well as novel teaching tool for neonatal nurses caring for this population.

Neonatal Neurocritical Care Service Is Associated With Decreased Administration of Seizure Medication.

This cohort study examines medication use in term neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and seizures before and after implementation of a Neonatal Neurocritical Care Service (N = 108), which included increased seizure monitoring. Nearly all neonates received phenobarbital (96% pre- vs 95% post-Neonatal Neurocritical Care Service) and total loading dose did not vary among groups (33 [95% confidence interval 29-37] vs 30 [26-34] mg/kg). After adjustment for seizure burden, neonates managed during the Neonatal Neurocritical Care Service era, on average, received 30 mg/kg less cumulative phenobarbital (95% confidence interval 15-46 mg/kg) and were on maintenance 5 fewer days (95% confidence interval 3-8 days) than those who were treated prior to implementation of the service. In spite of the enhanced ability to detect seizures because of improved monitoring and increased vigilance by bedside practitioners, implementation of the Neonatal Neurocritical Care Service was associated with decreased use of potentially harmful phenobarbital treatment among neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

O cuidado prestado pela família à criança portadora de encefalopatia hipóxico-isquêmica no contexto domiciliar: contribuições para enfermagem / The care provided by the family to children with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in the home context: contributions to nursing

Os avanços tecnológicos ocorridos nas últimas três décadas na área da saúde têm garantido a sobrevivência de crianças nascidas extremamente prematuras ou asfíxicas, o que acabou gerando as chamadas crianças com necessidades especiais de saúde, dentre elas, as portadoras de encefalopatia hipóxico-isquêmica. A encefalopatia acomete as crianças em graus variados requerendo cuidados específicos, o que implica na inclusão de suas famílias nas ações de cuidados a criança quando no domicílio. Objeto de estudo: o cuidado prestado pela família à criança portadora de encefalopatia hipóxico-isquêmica no contexto domiciliar. Objetivos: descrever as demandas de cuidados da criança portadora de encefalopatia no domicílio, identificar as práticas de cuidados desenvolvidas pelos familiares cuidadores junto a essas crianças e discutir os desafios determinados por esses cuidados para os familiares cuidadores de criança com encefalopatia no domicílio. Metodologia: pesquisa qualitativa, desenvolvida a partir do método criativo sensível, utilizando a dinâmica corpo-saber no domicílio de cinco grupos de familiares cuidadores, totalizando doze familiares. O período de geração dos dados ocorreu de fevereiro a abril de 2014. Os dados foram analisados a partir da análise de discurso, em sua corrente francesa, e interpretados à luz da concepção freiriana, com destaque para os conceitos de crítica reflexiva, processo de conscientização e educação dialógica e o cuidado centrado na família. Resultados: as práticas de cuidados dos familiares apontaram modificações nos cuidados habituais de alimentação, higiene, desenvolvimento e medicamentoso. Na prática da alimentação, os familiares expressaram suas condutas frente à alimentação por via oral ou por gastrostomia e suas crenças e atitudes frente a essas práticas alimentares. Quanto à higiene, revelaram a necessidade de adaptações na prática habitual do banho...

The technological advancements in the last three decades in health care have ensured the survival of extremely premature infants or with asphyxia, which has led to what is called children with special health care needs, among them, the carriers of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Encephalopathy affects children in varying degrees requiring specific care, which implies the inclusion of their families in child-care actions when at home. Object of study: the care given by the family to children with hypoxic-ischemic in the home context. Objectives: to describe the demands of care to child carrier of encephalopathy at home; to identify the care practices developed by family caregivers with these children and to discuss the challenges determined by such care for family caregivers of children with encephalopathy at home. Methodology: qualitative research, developed from the sensitive creative method, using the dynamic body-know in the household of five groups of family caregivers, amounting to twelve family members. The period of data generation occurred from February to April 2014. Data were analyzed from the speech analysis, in its French chain, and interpreted in the light of Freire's conception, especially the concepts of reflexive criticism, awareness process and dialogical education and family-centered care. Results: family care practices showed changes in usual care of feeding, hygiene, development and medical care. In the practice of feeding, family members expressed their behavior in face of oral or gastrostomy feeding and their beliefs and attitudes about these eating habits. As for hygiene, they revealed the need for adjustments in the bath usual practice...(AU)

Effects of daily environmental enrichment on behavior and dendritic spine density in hippocampus following neonatal hypoxia-ischemia in the rat.

Hypoxia-ischemia (HI) is the main cause of mortality in the perinatal period and morbidity, in survivors, which is characterized by neurological disabilities. The immature brain is highly susceptible to hypoxic-ischemic insult and is responsive to environmental stimuli, such as environmental enrichment (EE). Previous results indicate that EE recovered memory deficits in adult rats without reversing hippocampal atrophy related to HI. The aim of this study was to investigate behavioral performance in the open field and rota-rod apparatuses, in object recognition and inhibitory avoidance tasks, as well as dendritic spine density in the hippocampus, in rats undergoing HI and exposed to EE. Seven-day old male rats were submitted to the HI procedure and divided into 4 groups: control maintained in standard environment (CTSE), controls submitted to EE (CTEE), HI in standard environment (HISE) and HI in EE (HIEE). Behavioral and morphological parameters were evaluated 9 weeks after the environmental stimulation. Results indicate impairment in the object recognition task after HI that was recovered by enrichment; however the aversive memory impairment in the inhibitory avoidance task shown by hypoxic-ischemic rats was independent of the environment condition. Hypoxic-ischemic groups showed more crossing responses during the first minute in the open field, when compared to controls, but no differences were found between experimental groups in the rota-rod test. Dendritic spine density in the CA1 subfield of the right hippocampus (ipsilateral to the artery occlusion) was decreased after the HI insult, and increased in enriched controls; interestingly enriched HI rats did not differ from CTSE. In conclusion, EE was effective in recovering declarative memory impairment in object recognition and preserved hippocampal dendritic spine density loss after neonatal HI injury.

Therapeutic hypothermia to treat hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy in newborns: implications for nurses.

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in newborns is caused by an injury to the brain following a hypoxic or an ischemic event during the peripartum, intrapartum or postpartum period. HIE may result in death or cause serious impairment in survivors, and remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among neonates. Mild hypothermia as a treatment for HIE is commonly used to treat moderate to severe HIE, with promising results. Nurses play an integral role in identifying newborns at risk of developing HIE.

"Caution! Contents should be cold": developing a whole-body hypothermia program.

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is characterized as brain injury that results from lack of oxygen or blood flow to the brain in the perinatal period. Neonatal whole-body hypothermia and selective head cooling are becoming increasingly common care practices across the U.S. and Canada for infants with moderate-to-severe HIE because of the demonstrated ability of these approaches to reduce reperfusion injury to the brain. Health care professionals must develop a clinical care path for these fragile infants. For best results, induced hypothermia should be initiated within six hours of birth; therefore, care must be organized and provided without delay. This article provides bedside clinicians with care recommendations for infants being treated with these new interventions.

'Stand still ... , and move on', a new early intervention service for cardiac arrest survivors and their caregivers: rationale and description of the intervention.

UNLABELLED: This series of articles for rehabilitation in practice aims to cover a knowledge element of the rehabilitation medicine curriculum. Nevertheless they are intended to be of interest to a multidisciplinary audience. The competency addressed in this article is 'The trainee demonstrates a knowledge of diagnostic approaches for specific impairments including cognitive dysfunction as a result of cardiac arrest.' Abstract Objective: To describe a new early intervention service for survivors of cardiac arrest and their caregivers, and to explain the evidence and rationale behind it. RATIONALE: A cardiac arrest may cause hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury, which often results in cognitive impairments. Survivors of cardiac arrest can also encounter emotional problems, limitations in daily life, reduced participation in society and a decreased quality of life. A new early intervention service was designed based on literature study, expert opinion and patient experiences. Description of the intervention: The early intervention service is an individualized programme, consisting of one to six consultations by a specialized nurse for the patient and their caregiver. The intervention starts soon after discharge from the hospital and can last up to three months. The intervention consists of screening for cognitive and emotional problems, provision of information and support, promotion of self-management strategies and can include referral to further specialized care if indicated. DISCUSSION: This intervention is assumed to reduce future problems related to hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury in the patient and caregiver, and its effectiveness is currently being investigated in a randomized controlled multicentre trial.

Induced hypothermia for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy: pathophysiology, current treatment, and nursing considerations.

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) can lead to devastating neurodevelopmental consequences such as cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, and significant developmental delays. HIE in the newborn is often the result of a hypoxic event, such as uterine rupture, placental abruption, or cord prolapse. Biphasic brain injury occurs in HIE. The first phase involves activation of the sympathetic nervous system as a compensatory mechanism. The second phase, known as reperfusion brain injury, occurs hours later. Induced hypothermia, a neuroprotective strategy for treating HIE, targets the second phase to prevent reperfusion injury. NICU nurses are in a unique position to detect patient instability and to maintain the therapeutic interventions that contribute to the healing process. This article highlights the significant role nurses play in the management of infants diagnosed with HIE who are treated with induced hypothermia.

Induced hypothermia for neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy causes significant morbidity and mortality in neonates. Preventing the secondary reperfusion injury that occurs following a hypoxic-ischemic event is paramount to ensuring the best possible neurologic outcome for the neonate. Induced hypothermia is currently being studied in various institutions as a means of neuroprotection for neonates at risk of severe brain injury following a hypoxic-ischemic event. This article highlights the pathophysiology of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and the rationale behind the effectiveness of induced hypothermia. Nursing care and management of neonates being treated with induced hypothermia are discussed.