8. The preterm baby

Question 1

3 cardiovascular adaptations to extrauterine life

Answer 1

1) Decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance
2) Closure of foramen ovale
3) Closure of patent ductus arteriosus

Question 2

3 respiratory adaptations to extrauterine life

Answer 2

1) Lung inflation
2) Surfactant release
3) Establishment of functional residual capacity

Question 3

Signs of respiratory distress in preterm baby?

Answer 3

Tachypnoea, tachycardia, cyanosis, nasal flaring, recessions and accessory muscles use

Question 4

Pulmonary causes of respiratory distress:

Answer 4

1) Respiratory distress syndrome
2) Transient tachypnoea of the newborn
3) Meconium aspiration syndrome
4) Pneumothorax

Question 5

Foetal weight changes:

Answer 5

5x increase between 24 and 40 weeks

Question 6

Infant weight change

Answer 6

2x increase between birth and 3-4 months

Question 7

Necrotising enterocolitis symptoms

Answer 7

Sym: blood PR, abdominal distension, large NG aspirates

Question 8

Necrotising enterocolitis X ray findings:

Answer 8

X ray: intramural gas, portal venous gas, colon perforations