Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

What affection does prolonged parenteral nutrition primarily cause in premature infants?

1. Necrotizing enterocolitis

2. Osteopenia of prematurity

3. Intraventricular hemorrhage

4. Hypertension

The correct answer is: Osteopenia of prematurity

Prolonged parenteral nutrition in premature infants is closely associated with osteopenia of prematurity. This is due to the fact that parenteral nutrition often lacks sufficient amounts of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for proper bone mineralization and growth. Preterm infants are already at an increased risk for bone health issues due to their immature physiology and the rapid growth they undergo during this phase. As these infants rely on parenteral nutrition for extended periods, particularly before achieving full enteral feeding, the likelihood of developing osteopenia increases significantly. Osteopenia of prematurity is characterized by decreased bone mineral density, which may lead to fractures and other skeletal issues later in life if not addressed. The other options, while they may pose risks in the context of prematurity and extended nutritional support, are not primarily caused by prolonged parenteral nutrition. For instance, necrotizing enterocolitis is associated with feeding practices and gut maturity, while intraventricular hemorrhage relates more to vascular and structural immaturity of the brain. Hypertension, although a concern in some populations, is not a direct consequence of prolonged parenteral nutrition among premature infants. Thus, osteopenia of prematurity is clearly the condition most directly related