The Effect of Bladder Stimulation Technique and Bathing Method on Urine Collection in Term Babies: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose of the Study: The aim of this study is to examine the effect of bladder stimulation technique and bathing method on urine collection in term infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Content of the Study: This study will consist of 3 groups. Babies in the 1st group, the control group, will be fed only with breast milk or formula, and after 25 minutes, a urine bag will be inserted and urination will be expected. The babies in the second group, the bladder stimulation technique application group, will also be placed in a urine bag 25 minutes after feeding. Then the bladder stimulation technique will be applied. This technique; consists of two consecutive maneuvers. In the first maneuver, the bladder (Urine Bag) is stimulated by hitting the suprapubic (lower parts of the abdomen) area for 30 seconds at a frequency of 100 touches per minute. In the second maneuver, a 30-second circular massage is applied to the paravertebral region (located next to the spine). Babies in the 3rd group, the bathing group will be fed formula or pumped breast milk, depending on the baby's age and weight. Babies will be bathed under running water 20 minutes after feeding.The bathing process will take 4 minutes in total. After bath, a urine bag will be inserted at the 25th minute of feeding. In all group, urine urination will be monitored by running the stopwatch immediately after the urine bag is placed on all babies. When the baby urinates, the stopwatch will be stopped and the time and success of urination will be recorded on the observation form by the researcher.