Nursing Practices and Risk Factors in Neonates with Respiratory Distress Syndrome Undergoing Surfactant Replacement Therapy: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia.

PURPOSE

We examined nursing knowledge, care practices, and risk factors for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in newborns receiving surfactant therapy at a Saudi Arabian neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

METHODS

Our observational study included 53 NICU nurses and 381 newborns (28-42 weeks gestation) with RDS. We assessed nurses' knowledge through questionnaires, observed their care practices, and reviewed newborn medical records.

RESULTS

Less than half of the nurses (47.2%) showed a strong understanding of RDS and surfactant therapy, with gaps in recognizing diagnostic methods (only 24.5% correct) and risk factors (60.4% incorrect). Most nurses (69.8%) provided competent care, especially those with more education (p < 0.001) or training (p = 0.002). Newborns averaged 35.9 weeks gestation with initial APGAR scores of 5.8. Key risks included premature birth (71.9%), cesarean delivery (63.8%), maternal diabetes (24.2%), and insufficient antenatal steroids (only 24.4% of mothers received full doses).

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight opportunities to enhance nursing education about RDS, particularly in diagnosis and risk recognition. Implementing standardized care protocols for surfactant therapy and increasing antenatal steroid use could improve newborn outcomes. Preventing premature birth remains crucial for reducing RDS risk.