Question

Which statement highlights the importance of accurate gestational age determination in preterm newborns?

A) Gestational age assessment is crucial for monitoring blood glucose levels.

B) Premature infants may exhibit alterations in all body systems, emphasizing the need for core temperature readings.

C) Gestational age determination helps anticipate special needs and problems, including respiratory distress and thermoregulation issues.

D) Premature infants require a complete blood count for initial assessment.

Answer 1

Accurate gestational age determination helps anticipate special needs of preterm newborns, notably for managing respiratory distress and thermoregulation issues, which are vital for their survival and reducing long-term complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer that highlights the importance of accurate gestational age determination in preterm newborns is: C) Gestational age determination helps anticipate special needs and problems, including respiratory distress and thermoregulation issues.

Accurate determination of gestational age is essential for the management and care of preterm infants. Premature newborns face various health challenges related to their early delivery. A primary concern is respiratory distress syndrome, caused by the lack of sufficient surfactant in the lungs, a substance that is critical for lung function. Additionally, preterm infants struggle with thermoregulation due to insufficient body fat, which is necessary to maintain body temperature.

Understanding the gestational age informs medical professionals about the developmental status and maturity of organ systems, guiding the administration of appropriate medical interventions such as surfactant replacement therapy or temperature management. This knowledge can significantly improve the chances of survival and reduce the risk of long-term complications in these vulnerable infants.