Final answer:
A nurse should recognize an inadequate sucking reflex as a potential nutritional problem in a preterm neonate. This condition can lead to difficulties in feeding and potentially result in nutritional deficiencies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristic that a nurse should identify in a preterm neonate that may be a potential nutrition problem is A. Inadequate sucking reflex. Preterm neonates often have underdeveloped reflexes crucial for proper feeding, such as the sucking and rooting reflexes, which are essential for obtaining nutrition from breast milk or formula. Without a strong sucking reflex, the neonate may not be able to ingest sufficient milk, leading to potential nutritional deficiencies. Furthermore, early infancy is a critical time for growth and development, requiring adequate nutrition to support rapid growth and organ maturation.
Newborn reflexes are crucial for infant survival, signaling immediate needs like hunger. The sucking reflex allows the neonate to extract milk effectively, while the rooting reflex assists in locating the nipple. For preterm babies with an inadequate sucking reflex, feeding can become a significant challenge, often necessitating alternative feeding methods or supports until the baby matures.