Question

In contrast to a full-term infant, a premature infant:

1) Has a higher risk of respiratory problems
2) Has a lower risk of developmental delays
3) Has a higher birth weight
4) Has a longer gestational period

Answer 1

A premature infant has a higher risk of respiratory problems and developmental delays due to the shorter gestational period and lower birth weight compared to full-term infants. Their viability depends on gestational age, with significantly lower survival rates before 26 weeks without advanced medical intervention.

Step-by-step explanation:

In contrast to a full-term infant, a premature infant has a higher risk of respiratory problems. This is because the development of the respiratory system continues throughout gestation, and by week 28, enough alveoli have matured that a baby can breathe on its own, although the respiratory system is not fully developed until early childhood. Premature infants, or pre-term infants, are born before completing the typical gestational period of 36-40 weeks, and as such, have spent less time growing in the uterus. This usually results in a lower birth weight and shorter gestational period compared to full-term infants.

Pre-term birth is one of the major causes of low birth weight, which is defined as a birth weight lower than 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) and significantly increases the risk of death shortly after birth. Furthermore, babies with low birth weight are more susceptible to diseases and developmental delays throughout early childhood. Due to inadequately developed respiratory and nervous systems, pre-term infants born before 26 weeks have a much lower chance of survival unless provided with intensive, advanced medical care.

Answer 2

A premature infant, compared to a full-term infant, has a higher risk of respiratory problems and developmental delays, a lower birth weight, and a shorter gestational period. These factors contribute to higher morbidity and mortality risks in premature infants.

Step-by-step explanation:

In contrast to a full-term infant, a premature infant:

1. Has a higher risk of respiratory problems due to the incomplete development of the respiratory system, which is not fully developed until early childhood.
2. Has a higher risk of developmental delays because of the potential challenges premature infants face, including low birth weight and inadequate development of the nervous system.
3. Has a lower birth weight, often due to the shorter gestation period resulting in less time for prenatal growth.
4. Has a shorter gestational period, which means they are born before the typical full-term period of 36-40 weeks.

Infants born prematurely are at a higher risk for both short-term complications, such as respiratory problems, and long-term issues, such as developmental delays.

Undernutrition and low birthweight are critical factors that contribute to the challenges faced by these infants. A low birth weight increases the risk of mortality shortly after birth and may result in slow growth and developmental delays throughout early childhood. Additionally, the viability of the fetus is compromised with pre-term birth, as the chance of survival outside the uterus is significantly lower, with those born earlier than 26 weeks requiring intensive medical care.