What are problems associated with postterm infants?
*Asphyxia *Meconium aspiration *Poor nutrition status *Higher perinatal mortality rate *Risk for low temperature *Polycythemia
What are the physical characteristics of postterm newborns?
*Thin with loose skin *Unusually alert and wide-eyed *Little vernix and lanugo *Skin wrinkles *Nails long
What is Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)?
death of intestinal tissue
What is retinopathy?
a general term that refers to some form of non-inflammatory damage to the retina of the eye
List five S/Sx of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD):
*Tachycardia *Tachypnea *Retractions *Rales *Wheezing *Respiratory acidosis *Increased secretions *Bronchospasm *Characteristic changes in the lungs on chest X-ray
What are examples of inadequate respiratory function in preterm newborns?
*Poorly developed cough reflex and narrow respiratory passages *Apneic spells *Retractions *Grunting *Insufficient production of surfactant *Respiratory Distress Syndrome
What are indicators that a preterm infant is ready for oral feeding?
*Intact gag reflex *Coordination of sucking, swallowing, and breathing
Why may a preterm newborn need to be placed on parenteral nutrition?
*GI tract does not absorb nutrients well *Lack reservoirs of calcium, iron and other nutrients *Insufficient bile acids and pancreatic lipase *Small stomach capacity
