Question

A 3-month-old born at 32 weeks gestational age surgical repair of an inguinal hernia. Preoperative hemoglobin is 9 g/dL. Which of the following recom.mendations for this patient's perioperative care would be LEAST appropriate?

A. Postpone surgery until postconceptual age of at least 54 weeks.
B. Administer caff eine.
C. Use a regional rather than general anesthetic technique.
D. Refer to a tertiary-care center.
E. Transfuse packed red blood cells prior to surgery.

Answer 1

The least appropriate recommendation for perioperative care of a premature infant needing inguinal hernia repair with a low hemoglobin level is to administer caffeine, since caffeine is used for apnea of prematurity and is not standard in perioperative care.

Step-by-step explanation:

The least appropriate recommendation for perioperative care of a 3-month-old born at 32 weeks gestational age with a hemoglobin level of 9 g/dL needing surgical repair for an inguinal hernia would likely be: B. Administer caffeine. Caffeine is primarily used in preterm neonates to treat apnea of prematurity, not as a standard perioperative care measure. Other recommendations such as using a regional anesthetic, referral to a tertiary-care center, and considering a transfusion could provide benefit by reducing anesthesia-related risks, ensuring specialized care, and addressing the low hemoglobin level, respectively. Postponing surgery may depend on the urgency and potential risks of the hernia itself. These options should be discussed with specialized healthcare providers to ensure the safety and optimal care for the infant.