Guaranteed Pass Solutions 2026
Updated.
potential complications of prematurity - Answer 1. Respiratory Distress Syndrome- RDS
2. Apnea of Prematurity AOP
3. Retinopathy of prematurity - ROP
4. Intraventricular or Periventricular Hemorrhage -IVH
5. Necrotizing enterocolitis -NEC
6. Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn - TTN
7. Chronic Lung Disease (CLD) AKA Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia =BPD
prematurity - Answer baby is born before 37 weeks gestation.
higher rate of death & disability =>
-infants (espec those born before 32 weeks) brain, lungs, and liver are all immature
-those that survive may have issues (breathing, feeding, vision, hearing, neuromuscular and
cognitive, developmental)
-These infants also take an emotional toll on a family and place many families in financial
hardship.
Apnea of Prematurity (AOP) - Answer Apnea of prematurity is one of the most common
complication of prematurity
% of AOP by prematurity
*100% born <28 weeks
,*85% born ~30 weeks
*20% born~34 weeks
why are apneas important - Answer can cause ventilatory and perfusion disturbances
for example:
1. retinopathy of prematurity
2. altered growth
discordant
3. cardiovascular regulation
4. neurodevelopmental disabilities.
apnea: - Answer -cessation of breathing for 20 sec or longer OR
-shorter pause accompanied by bradycardia (<80), cyanosis (spo2 <80-85%), or pallor
etiology of apnea of prematurity - Answer etiology:
1. central (cessation of breathing effort)
2. obstructive (airflow)
3. mixed
-Diagnosis is not associated w/ inc. risk of SIDS (but regardless, preterm infants generally have
higher risk of SIDS).
treatment for Apnea of Prematurity - Answer methylxanthines (caffeine)
Caffeine citrate:
1. blocks adenosine receptors
2. inc minute ventilation
3. improved CO2 sensitivity
4. dec periodic breathing
,5. dec hypoxic depression
6. improved diaphragmatic contractility
7. shorter duration of mechanical ventilation than earlier treatments initiated.
8. recommended for all infants born <28 weeks as well as 29-32 weeks (depending on clinical
course)
9. loading dose 20 mg/kg caffeine citrate
9. maintenance dose 10mg/kg/day
10. trial of caffeine after apnea-free period of 5-7 days OR 32-34 CGA whichever comes first
11. side effects of caffeine
-tachycardia
-cardiac dysrhythmias
-seizures
-feeding intolerance
-increase metabolic demand
others treatments for apnea of prematurity: - Answer -Nasal CPAP (splints open the upper
airway to prevent pharyngeal collapse, decreases the risk of OSA). Also aids in dec duration of
O2 desaturation
-blood transfusions (can increase respiratory drive)
-treatment of GERD
what is not recommended in the treatment for apnea of prematurity? - Answer -routine home
monitoring (most apnea/bradycardia events resolve by 40 weeks CGA).
discharge instructions for infant who has apnea of prematurity - Answer discharge:
1. infants free of significant or apneic bradycardic events prior to discharge
2. initiate countdown period few days after discontinuation of caffeine therapy.
prevention of apnea of prematurity - Answer Preventative:
1. positioning: avoid extreme flexion or extension of neck (maintain patency of airway) -> prone
positioning
2. provide stable thermal environment
, 3. limit nasal suctioning and use heated humidifed air to maintain nasal patency
4. maintain spo2 between 88-94% (hypoxia can stimulate apneic episodes)
5. bradycardic episodes that spontaneously resolve and are feeding related should not be
counted in the countdown period.
A pediatric nurse has floated to the NICU to work her shift. The physician has ordered a dose of
intravenous caffeine for a newborn baby who was born 4 weeks' prematurely. Which of the
following describes the rationale for giving this infant caffeine?
1). Caffeine reduces instances of infant apnea
2). Caffeine works to increase the infant's blood pressure to normal levels
3). Caffeine helps the infant to stay awake to eat
4). Caffeine helps the infant to gain weight by accumulating brown fat - Answer Caffeine
reduces instances of infant apnea
(Caffeine is a type of stimulant mostly found in foods and drinks consumed by adults; however,
it may also be given orally or intravenously to preterm infants to reduce episodes of apnea. A
preterm infant is at higher risk of periods of central apnea when the brain does not always
stimulate the body to breathe. The baby can suffer a loss of oxygen with frequent periods of
apnea. Caffeine is given as a stimulant to reduce apneic episodes.)
The nurse is caring for a preterm neonate on an apnea monitor. When the monitor alarms, what
action does the nurse take? Select all that apply.
a. Begins bag and mask ventilation
b. Administers a dose of caffeine
c. Counts the respiratory rate for a full minute
d. Performs a focused assessment of the neonate
e. Silences the alarm - Answer Correct: C, D, E
Rationale: