The clinical nurse specialist is caring for a preterm infant in the NICU. When assessing the patient, it is most important for the nurse to know the infant's gestational age and how it compares with the birth weight because:

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When assessing the patient, it is most important for the nurse to know the infant's gestational age and how it compares with the birth weight because this data will help to identify potential problems. A preterm, small-for-gestational-age infant is at high risk for problems not seen in the term small-for-gestational-age infant because of immaturity; this information will help the nurse to anticipate problems and aim interventions at prevention.

The Clinical Nurse Specialist Is Caring for a Preterm Infant