Question

An 1100-gram infant who is delivered at 29 weeks of gestational age is receiving oxygen by oxyhood. To avoid excessive oxygen consumption, which of the following is an important consideration?

1) utilize an air-oxygen blender
2) keep the inspired gas temperature at 37 deg C (98.6 deg F)
3) apply a bilirubin light
4) ensure aerosol tubing is less than 5 feet in length

Answer 1

To reduce excessive oxygen consumption in a premature infant on oxygen therapy by oxyhood, it is important to keep the inspired gas temperature at 37 deg C (98.6 deg F) to maintain the infant's body temperature efficiently. The correct option is 2.

Step-by-step explanation:

To avoid excessive oxygen consumption, an important consideration for an 1100-gram infant delivered at 29 weeks and receiving oxygen by oxyhood would be to keep the inspired gas temperature at 37 deg C (98.6 deg F). This is essential for maintaining the infant's temperature, as newborns, especially preterm infants, have a higher surface area to volume ratio, which means they lose heat more rapidly than adults.

By providing warmth through the gas the infant is breathing, we assist in maintaining the infant's body temperature without consuming excessive oxygen, which is critical for their survival.

Other options, like using an air-oxygen blender, applying a bilirubin light, or ensuring aerosol tubing is less than 5 feet, while important in various contexts, do not directly relate to oxygen consumption in the context of this question.