Date of Award

2003

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Health Professions Education

College

College of Health Professions

First Advisor

Jane M. Charles

Second Advisor

Joyce S. Nicholas

Third Advisor

Bonnie M. Harris

Abstract

Pharyngeal and laryngeal structural movements coordinate respiration and swallowing functions, hence eliminating simultaneous execution. This research aims to document levels of oxygen saturation during rest and feeding among various newborn populations. Hypothesized is that an increase in oxygen alterations during feeding will be exhibited by infants of younger gestational age and, further, by those with the presence of respiratory anomalies. Thirty newborns in the nurseries at Medical University of South Carolina, free of cardiac and genetic maladies, were divided into three groups. Subjects of group 1 are healthy, full-term newborns; within groups 2 and 3, preterm infants (<37 weeks gestation). Subjects of groups 1 and 2 have no diagnosed respiratory disorders; those within group 3 have diagnoses of respiratory illness. Nellcor pulse-oximeters monitor infants during sleep and feeding sessions. ANOVA data analysis revealed no statistical difference within this sample. A pattern of increased changes suggests clinical significance. Future studies may find it beneficial to use a larger sample size powered to detect a smaller effect size.

Rights

All rights reserved. Copyright is held by the author.

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