Why are gavage feedings often indicated for preterm infants? ...

[aabwk4]

Why are gavage feedings often indicated for preterm infants?
 
  a. Feeding can be given quickly so stimulation is minimized.
  b. It conserves the baby's strength and does not depend on the sucking reflex.
  c. The amount of food given can be more accurately regulated.
  d. Vomiting is prevented.

Question 2

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal muco-sa. The signs of NEC are nonspecific. Some generalized signs include:
 
  a. Hypertonia, tachycardia, and metabolic alkalosis.
  b. Abdominal distention, temperature instability, and grossly bloody stools.
  c. Hypertension, absence of apnea, and ruddy skin color.
  d. Scaphoid abdomen, no residual with feedings, and increased urinary output.

[duke02]

Answer to Question 1

B
The rationale for gavage feedings in the preterm neonate is to conserve energy and because frequently the preterm neonate cannot coordinate the suck and swallow reflex. Feedings are initiated not only to provide nutrition for the premature neonate, but also to stimulate GI motility.. Gavage feedings do not prevent emesis.

Answer to Question 2

B

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A The infant may display hypotonia, bradycardia, and metabolic acidosis.
B Some generalized signs of NEC include decreased activity, hypotonia, pallor, recurrent apnea and bradycardia, decreased oxygen saturation values, respiratory distress, metabolic acidosis, oliguria, hypotension, decreased perfusion, temper-ature instability, cyanosis, abdominal distention, residual gastric aspirates, vo-miting, grossly bloody stools, abdominal tenderness, and erythema of the abdo-minal wall.
C Hypotension, apnea, and pallor are signs of NEC.
D Abdominal distention, residual gastric aspirates, and oliguria are signs of NEC.

[aabwk4]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[komodo7]

Gracias!