In caring for the premature infant, the nurse must continually assess hydration status. Parameters to assess would include all of the following except:
Select one:

Choice A Reason: Preterm infant. This is an incorrect answer that confuses TTN with another respiratory condition called respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). RDS is a serious condition where the newborn's lungs are immature and lack sufficient surfactant, which is a substance that reduces surface tension and prevents alveolar collapse. RDS can cause respiratory distress, hypoxia, acidosis, and organ failure. It is more common in preterm infants, especially those born before 37 weeks' gestation.

Choice B Reason: Female infant. This is an incorrect answer that has no evidence or rationale to support it. TTN does not have a gender preference or difference in incidence or severity.

Choice C Reason: GBS status of mother. This is an incorrect answer that relates to another respiratory complication called early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS). EONS is a bacterial infection that occurs within 72 hours after birth, which can affect multiple organs and systems in the newborn. EONS can be caused by group B streptococcus (GBS), which is a common bacterium that colonizes in some women's vagina or rectum. GBS can be transmited to the newborn during delivery and cause pneumonia, meningitis, or septic shock.

Choice D Reason: Cesarean section. This is because cesarean section is a risk factor for TTN, which is a mild respiratory problem that results from delayed clearance of fetal lung fluid after birth. TTN causes rapid breathing, nasal flaring, grunting, and mild cyanosis. It usually resolves within 24 to 48 hours after birth. Cesarean section can increase the risk of TTN because it bypasses the normal process of labor, which helps squeeze out some of the fluid from the fetal lungs.

Choice A Reason: "Our baby's newborn rash is from this syndrome." This is because this statement by a parent indicates that additional teaching is required, as it shows a misunderstanding or confusion about FAS and its manifestations. FAS is a condition that occurs when a woman consumes alcohol during pregnancy, which can affect the development and function of various organs and systems in the fetus and child. FAS can cause physical, behavioral, and cognitive problems such as facial abnormalities, growth retardation, learning difficulties, and atention deficits. FAS does not cause newborn rash, which is a common and benign condition that affects many newborns regardless of maternal alcohol intake. Newborn rash is also known as erythema toxicum neonatorum or baby acne, which is characterized by small red bumps or pustules on the face, chest, or back that usually disappear within a few weeks.

Choice B Reason: "His face looks like it does due to this problem." This is a correct answer that indicates adequate understanding of FAS and its features. Facial abnormalities are one of the characteristic signs of FAS, which include small eye openings, thin upper lip, flat nasal bridge, and smooth philtrum (the groove between the nose and upper lip).

Choice C Reason: "He can show signs of withdrawal from alcohol exposure like jiteriness, sweating, hyper reflexes, poor feeding and not sleeping well." This is a correct answer that indicates adequate understanding of FAS and its complications. Signs of withdrawal are possible effects of FAS, which occur when the fetus or newborn is exposed to alcohol in utero or through breast milk, which can cause neurotoxicity and dependency. Signs of withdrawal can include jiteriness, sweating, hyper reflexes, poor feeding, and not sleeping well, as well as irritability, seizures, or tremors.

Choice D Reason: "He is at risk of having intellectual disabilities, so we will need to get extra services to support him." This is a correct answer that indicates adequate understanding of FAS and its implications. Intellectual disabilities are potential outcomes of FAS, which affect the cognitive development and function of the child. Intellectual disabilities can cause problems with memory, Reasoning, language, and social skills. Extra services and support may be needed to help the child achieve their optimal potential and quality of life.