Neonatal Nutrition and Feeding Flashcards

Minimal enteral feeding (trophic feeding) in preterm infants is initiated to:

Answer: Stimulate gut development, improve intestinal maturity, and prime the GI tract

Trophic feeds of 10–20 mL/kg/day stimulate gut hormones, villous development, and enzyme maturation without significant caloric contribution.

A premature infant is transitioning from gavage to oral feeding. The nurse should assess feeding readiness by evaluating:

Answer: Cue-based signs: rooting, sucking, alertness, and tolerance of handling

Cue-based feeding readiness assessment uses behavioral cues like rooting, sucking, and alert state rather than a fixed schedule.

Short bowel syndrome following NEC surgery is caused by:

Answer: Insufficient intestinal absorptive surface area after resection of necrotic bowel

Extensive bowel resection for NEC leaves insufficient surface area for nutrient and fluid absorption, causing malabsorption and TPN dependence.

The NICU nurse notes a 30-week infant's feeding tube aspirate is bright green/bile-stained. The immediate action is:

Answer: Hold the feeding, notify the provider, and assess for signs of obstruction or NEC

Bilious gastric aspirates suggest bowel obstruction, malrotation, or NEC and require immediate medical evaluation before continuing feeds.

Hypoglycemia in a neonate is defined as a blood glucose level below:

Answer: 40–45 mg/dL (2.2–2.5 mmol/L) in the first 48 hours, with treatment thresholds varying by age

Neonatal hypoglycemia thresholds vary by postnatal age and risk factors; <40–45 mg/dL in the first 48 hours typically requires intervention.

Which infants are at highest risk for hypoglycemia in the first hours of life?

Answer: Infants of diabetic mothers, SGA, LGA, and late preterm infants

IDM, SGA, LGA, and late preterm infants have impaired glucose homeostasis due to hyperinsulinism, poor stores, or metabolic immaturity.