Which plan best aligns with preventing retinopathy of prematurity during NICU care?

• A. Maintain oxygen saturations within target ranges and avoid prolonged high FiO2 exposure
• B. Prolonged high FiO2 exposure
• C. Ignore oxygen saturation
• D. Avoid ophthalmologic examination

Answer: (A)

Maintaining safe oxygen levels is crucial to preventing retinopathy of prematurity in the NICU. In very premature infants, the retinal vessels are immature and highly sensitive to oxygen. When oxygen exposure is too high or fluctuates, it can disrupt normal retinal vessel development and promote abnormal neovascularization that can damage vision. By keeping oxygen saturations within the targeted range and avoiding prolonged high FiO2, you minimize retinal oxygen stress and reduce the risk of ROP progression. This approach relies on continuous monitoring and timely adjustments to FiO2 to stay within the unit’s specified saturation window, along with gradual weaning of oxygen as the infant matures.

Ignoring oxygen saturation or using prolonged high FiO2 exposure increases the risk of ROP, and skipping ophthalmologic screening does not prevent ROP—though screening is important for early detection and treatment if needed.