The nurse is instructing the parents who delivered their first child at 34 weeks' gestation. Which statements made by the parents indicate that additional teaching is needed? Select all that apply
A) "Tube feedings will be required because his stomach is small."
B) "Breathing might be harder for our baby because he is early."
C) "Our baby will be in an incubator to keep him warm."
D) "The growth of our baby will be slower than if he were term."
E) "Because he came early, he will not produce urine for two days."
Answer: A, E
Preterm infants grow more slowly than do term infants. Although tube feedings might be required, it would be because preterm babies lack sufficient suck and swallow reflexes to prevent aspiration. Although preterm babies have diminished kidney function due to incomplete development of the glomeruli, they will make urine. Preterm infants have little subcutaneous fat, and have difficulty maintaining their body temperature. An incubator or radiant warmer is used to keep the baby warm. Surfactant production might not be complete at 34 weeks, which leads to respiratory distress syndrome. In addition, respiratory effort is increased when the ductus arteriosus remains patent, which is common in preterm infants.
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