Final answer:
Preterm infants possess characteristics such as low birth weight, underdeveloped organs, small size with less subcutaneous fat, prominent lanugo, less developed reflexes, and overall physical immaturity. Nurses closely monitor these infants for potential complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Characteristics of Preterm Infants
Preterm infants, also known as premature infants, display several characteristics that can be observed by a nurse. These infants are born before the completion of the 37th week of gestation. Among the most common characteristics of preterm infants are:
- Low birth weight: They typically weigh less than 2.5 kilograms (5.5 pounds).
- Underdeveloped organs: This can lead to issues such as respiratory distress syndrome due to immature lungs.
- Small size and less subcutaneous fat: Preterm infants have a thinner appearance because they have less body fat than full-term babies.
- Soft, downy body hair (lanugo): This fine hair is more prominent in preterm babies.
- Less developed reflexes: Suckling and swallowing may be weak or absent.
- Physical immaturity: This may include an underdeveloped digestive system, which can lead to feeding difficulties.
In addition to these characteristics, preterm infants may have a different appearance in terms of skin texture and may feature more pronounced physical immaturity compared to full-term neonates. The nurse monitors these infants closely to manage any potential complications that can arise due to prematurity.