The nurse is caring for infants with the following conditions. Which infants would be at risk for failure to thrive? Select all that apply.

Choice A reason: Infants born to diabetic parents are at risk for failure to thrive due to potential complications during pregnancy, such as poor blood glucose control, which can affect fatal growth and development. Additionally, these infants may experience issues such as hypoglycaemia after birth, requiring careful monitoring and management. Furthermore, the long-term impact of maternal diabetes on the infant's metabolic health can contribute to growth concerns, emphasizing the need for diligent care and follow-up.

Choice B reason: Infants born to low-income parents are at risk for failure to thrive due to socioeconomic factors that can impact their growth and development. Low-income families may face challenges in accessing adequate nutrition, healthcare, and safe living conditions, all of which are critical for the healthy growth of infants. Additionally, stress and limited resources can affect parenting practices, potentially leading to inadequate stimulation and care, further contributing to the risk of growth and developmental delays.

Choice C reason: An infant with a cleft palate is at risk for failure to thrive because feeding difficulties are common in these cases. A cleft palate can affect an infant's ability to suck and swallow properly, leading to inadequate nutrient intake and growth issues. Proper feeding techniques and medical interventions are necessary to support these infants. Moreover, frequent respiratory infections and other complications associated with cleft palate can impact overall health and growth, necessitating comprehensive care and monitoring.

Choice D reason: Infants born to teenage parents may be at risk for failure to thrive due to various factors, including the potential lack of experience, resources, and social support for the young parents. Teenage parents may face difficulties in providing consistent and adequate care, which can impact the infant's growth and development. Additionally, teenage parents may struggle with their own developmental challenges, such as completing education and securing employment, which can affect their ability to provide a stable and nurturing environment for their child.

Choice E reason: An infant with tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect, is at risk for failure to thrive due to the potential impact on the infant's overall health and energy levels. Infants with this condition may have difficulty feeding and gaining weight due to the increased energy expenditure required to compensate for their heart condition. They may also require surgical interventions and ongoing medical care, which can further impact growth and development. The need for specialized care and monitoring underscores the importance of addressing the unique challenges faced by these infants.

Choice A reason: Anencephaly is a severe neural tube defect where a major portion of the brain, skull, and scalp is missing. It does not present with a tuft of hair on the lumbosacral area.

Choice B reason: Spina bifida, specifically spina bifida occulta, is associated with a small tuft of hair on the lumbosacral area. This condition involves a defect in the spinal column where the bones do not close completely, but the spinal cord and nerves are usually not affected.

Choice C reason: Meningocele is a type of spina bifida where the protective membranes (meninges) protrude through an opening in the spine, forming a sac filled with cerebrospinal fluid. While it involves a spinal defect, it does not typically present with a tuft of hair.

Choice D reason: Myelomeningocele is the most severe form of spina bifida where the spinal cord and nerves protrude through an opening in the spine. This condition often results in more significant neurological deficits and is not specifically associated with a tuft of hair on the lumbosacral area.