Preterm Infant Resuscitation Flashcards
5 cards from real NRP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 5 Preterm Infant Resuscitation flashcards as text
What is the rationale for not suctioning a preterm infant's mouth and nose in the delivery room unless the airway is visibly obstructed?
Answer: Unnecessary suctioning can cause vagal bradycardia, mucosal trauma, and delay in establishing breathing
Routine suctioning of the airway is not recommended in NRP 8th edition because it can cause vagal-mediated bradycardia, mucosal trauma, laryngospasm, and may delay spontaneous breathing without clear benefit.
What complication should be suspected if a preterm infant shows sudden deterioration with decreased breath sounds on one side after intubation and initiation of PPV?
Answer: Pneumothorax
Sudden deterioration with decreased breath sounds on one side after PPV in a preterm infant should raise concern for pneumothorax — air leaking into the pleural space from alveolar overdistension or rupture.
Why is glucose monitoring particularly important for preterm infants after delivery room resuscitation?
Answer: Preterm infants have limited glycogen stores and immature gluconeogenesis, making hypoglycemia common and potentially causing brain injury
Preterm infants have limited hepatic glycogen stores, immature gluconeogenesis, and increased metabolic demands — putting them at high risk for hypoglycemia, which if undetected can cause seizures and permanent brain injury.
What specific precaution should be taken when using a warming mattress for a preterm infant in the delivery room?
Answer: The warming mattress can be used under the polyethylene wrap but temperature should be monitored to prevent hyperthermia
Chemical warming mattresses can be used in combination with polyethylene wrap and radiant warmer in very preterm infants, but their combined use may cause hyperthermia. Temperature must be continuously monitored to stay within the target 36.5–37.5°C range.
What is the recommended approach for delayed cord clamping (DCC) in a preterm infant who requires immediate resuscitation in the delivery room?
Answer: DCC of at least 30–60 seconds may be considered if the infant can be stabilized at the bedside; individualize based on clinical condition
For preterm infants requiring resuscitation, DCC of 30–60 seconds may be performed if initial stabilization can be done at the bedside. If the infant is severely compromised and immediate resuscitation is critical, the decision must be individualized.