Question

Assessment of a newborn at 40 weeks' gestation reveals that he is a low-birth-weight newborn. Which weight would the nurse identify as being low birth weight?

A. 5 pounds, 8 ounces
B. 6 pounds, 3 ounces
C. 7 pounds, 2 ounces
D. 8 pounds, 6 ounces

Answer 1

A newborn weighing 5 pounds, 8 ounces (Option A) would be identified as low birth weight, as it is less than 2.5 kg (5.5 lb.), the threshold for low birth weight.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse would identify A. 5 pounds, 8 ounces as being low birth weight for a newborn. A low birth weight is defined as a birth weight that is lower than 2.5 kg (5.5 lb.), regardless of the gestational age. The average birth weight for a full-term infant, which is between 36 to 40 weeks gestation, is about 3.4 kg (7.5 lb.). Therefore, any newborn weighing less than 2.5 kg (5.5 lb.) is considered to have a low birth weight. The other options (B, C, and D) are higher than the low birth weight threshold and would not be classified as low birth weight.