SIDS

Question 1

What is SIDS associated with?

Answer 1

Associated with prone side-lying positioning of newborns and infants, so the infant should be placed to sleep on their back

Question 2

Healthy People 2020 on SIDS

Answer 2

Include education to place infants on their backs for naps and sleep to prevent sudden infant death syndrome

Question 3

Risk factors for SIDS (3)

Answer 3

• smoking
• drug use during pregnancy (heroin, methadone)
• premature infant

Question 4

Evidence based practice for SIDS (what is the EBP? Additional benefits, potential disadvantages (5) )

Answer 4

Pacifier use has been shown to lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) when used at the time of sleep. Additional benefits include the calming effect related to nonnutritive sucking and as an adjunct in pain relief. Potential disadvantages include negative effects on breastfeeding if pacifier is used early or extensively; increased incidence of otitis media; and the risks of injury, allergy, and dental malocclusion.

Question 5

Definition of SIDS

Answer 5

Sudden death of a previously healthy infant younger than 1 year of age

Question 6

Prevention of SIDS (6)

Answer 6

Place all infants in the supine position to sleep (even side-lying is not as safe and is not recommended by the AAP).

Provide a firm sleep surface and avoid soft bedding, excess covers, pillows, and stuffed animals in the crib.

Avoid maternal prenatal smoking and exposure of the infant to second-hand smoke.

Ensure the infant sleeps separately from the parents.

Avoid over-bundling or overdressing the infant.

Encourage pacifier use during naps and at bedtime if the infant is receptive to it (AAP, 2011).