Nutrition for Premature Infants

Question 1

What is the week threshold for premature infants?

Answer 1

< 37 weeks (especially before 34)

Question 2

What is considered Low Birth Weight (LBW)?

Answer 2

< 2500 gm

Question 3

What is considered Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW)?

Answer 3

< 1500 gm

Question 4

What is considered Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW)?

Answer 4

< 1000 gm

Question 5

What is considered a micropremie?

Answer 5

< 750 gm

Question 6

What are some potential problems for premature infants?

Answer 6

• Undernutrition
• Poor Growth
• Glucose Instability
• Hypoglycemia
• GI Malabsorption
• Decreased GI Motility
• Respiratory Problems
• Heat Loss
• Infection
• Inflammation

Question 7

Fetal nutrient stores are established within the last __ months of pregnancy?

Answer 7

3

Question 8

Premature infants have __ caloric reserves?

Answer 8

minimal

Question 9

GI motility does not begin until ____ weeks gestation?

Answer 9

32-34 wks

Question 10

What does EN constitute? (Enteral Nutrition)

Answer 10

Providing food through a tube placed in the nose, stomach, or small intestine.

Question 11

What does PN constitute? (Parenteral Nutrition)

Answer 11

short term: peripheral route
long term: central location

Question 12

What is the nutrient needs for Enteral Feeding?

Answer 12

kCal: 105-130 / kg
PRO: 3.5-4 / kg
FAT: 5-7 / kg

Question 13

What is the nutrient needs for Parenteral Feeding?

Answer 13

kCal: 90-100 /kg
PRO: 2.7-4 / kg
FAT: 1-3 / kg