Which neonate requires a close nursing assessment for the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)?
A) 28-weeks'-gestation infant who has been on long-term oxygen and weighed 1400 g
B) 32-weeks'-gestation infant of African heritage with a congenital heart defect who needed no oxygen and weighed 1850 g
C) 28-weeks'-gestation female infant who was on short-term oxygen, weighed 1420 g, and was treated with phototherapy
D) 36-weeks'-gestation, small-for-gestational-age infant who was in an oxyhood for 12 hours and weighed 1800 g

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Infants who are born prematurely (less than 37 weeks' gestation) and require long-term oxygen therapy are at higher risk for developing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). This is because the immature blood vessels in the retina are not fully developed, and oxygen therapy can disrupt their growth and cause them to grow abnormally, leading to ROP.

Answer: C
 Infants who are born prematurely (less than 37 weeks' gestation) and require short-term oxygen therapy are also at risk for developing ROP, especially if they were treated with phototherapy for jaundice. Phototherapy can also disrupt the growth of blood vessels in the retina, contributing to the development of ROP.

Therefore, options A and C require a close nursing assessment for the development of ROP.

Which Neonate Requires a Close Nursing Assessment for the Development