Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden unexplainable death of a previously healthy infant who is less than 1 year old. The cause of death cannot be established by postmortem examinations.
Risk factors for SIDS
- Prematurity
- Low birth weight
- Twin or triplet
- Race/ethnicity (Native Americans and African-Americans are at highest risk)
- Male gender are at a higher risk
- In utero exposure to nicotine or alcohol
- Age between 1 and 4 months
- Passive smoke exposure
- History of respiratory compromise
Prevention
- Putting the infant on his back to sleep for every sleep; side sleeping is not advised
- Using a firm sleep surface rather than a fluffy surface
- Room sharing without bed sharing. Have the infant sleep on its own crib
- Removing pillows, quilts, stuffed toys, or any other soft surfaces from the infant’s crib or sleeping environment
- Keeping the infant warm while sleeping, but not overheated
- Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and using illicit drugs
- Breast-feeding the infant as recommended
- Considering offering a pacifier at nap and bedtime
- Immunizing per recommendations.
Nursing Implications
When dealing with a family whose infant has just died of suspected SIDS in the emergency room:
- Be aware that assessment, planning, and implementation related to the parents’ needs should begin as soon as they arrive in the emergency department.
- Provide the family with a room (for privacy) and a staff member who can stay with them and provide support.
- Stay calm and let the parents express their feelings. (In their need to blame someone or something for the tragedy, they may express anger at emergency department personnel, each other, or anyone involved with the infant’s care.)
- Prepare the family for how the infant will look and feel.
- Let the parents touch, hold, and rock the infant, if desired. Allow them to say good-bye.
- Contact spiritual advisors, significant others, or other support systems
- Provide literature on sudden unexplained infant death and
support groups.