Phototherapy Unit

Principle

Photoisomerisation and photo-oxidation changes indirect bilirubin into water soluble substance.

Operational Instruction

1. Adjust the angle and height of the lamp housing to the desired position. It is recommended that the light be kept at 18" or 45 cm away from the infant to minimize any heating effect of the lamp. Intensity of light is 425-475 nm. 
2. Turn on the power switch located on extension arm. 
3. Rotate the aperture control for maximum field size. 
4. Rotate the intensity as determined by radiometer. 

Nurse's Responsibility

1. Remove clothing to maintain proper skin exposure. 
2. Turn frequently to expose all skin areas. Monitor temperature and level of hydration. 
3. Close infant's eyelids and cover with a light opaque eye shield secured/held in place by tape or bandage. It should be changed every eight hours and give eye care. 
4. Cover genitalia. 
5. Observe common side effects of phototherapy - loose greenish stools transient skin rash, bronze discolouration of the skin, hyper pigmentation, dehydration as phototherapy increases insensible water loss. 
6. Local hyperthermia under the electrode can cause redness of the skin. Overheating of surface should be avoided. The nurse should be alert to the development of blisters and should record and report her findings. Change the site 2-3 hourly.