Periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage in the very low birth weight infant.

Although survival of very low birth weight infants has improved with advancements in technology and neonatal care, the risk of periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage (PV-IVH) may be as high as 61 to 70 percent for this vulnerable population. Nursing can play an important role in reducing risk factors that contribute to PV-IVH, particularly during the first week of life, when a germinal matrix hemorrhage and its extension is most likely to occur. The pathophysiology of PV-IVH and a table of nursing interventions are presented to aid nurses in the assessment and planning of care for these tiny patients, who are at greatest risk for PV-IVH.