Replacing Monitoring Electrodes on Infant Skin Every 12 Versus 24 Hours

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of varying the frequency of monitoring electrode replacement on skin moisture and condition of infants hospitalized in the pediatric ICU. METHODS The population of the study consisted of 1- to 12-month-old infants receiving treatment in the pediatric ICU. The control group of the study (n = 33) included infants whose monitoring electrodes were replaced every 24 hours during monitoring, and the experimental group (n = 33) included infants whose monitoring electrodes were replaced every 12 and 24 hours during monitoring. Before assessment, the skin moisture of the monitoring areas was measured and evaluated with the Skin Condition Assessment Scale. RESULTS When the difference in skin moisture was compared for all measurement areas of the infants before monitoring and at the 24-hour mark, an increase in moisture was seen in both groups, and the difference in the experimental group was greater than that in the control group. Increased moisture is a risk factor for medical device-related pressure injuries. When comparing between-group differences in skin condition, the researchers noted a greater increase in skin condition score in the experimental group. An increased score indicates that the infant's skin condition is worsening. CONCLUSIONS Replacing the monitoring electrodes every 24 hours positively affected skin moisture and condition, whereas replacing them every 12 hours negatively affected skin moisture and condition.