1What is the primary goal of nutrition intervention for infants with medical conditions?
Promote normal growth and development while meeting individual nutrition needs.
2What is necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)?
A serious intestinal disease involving inflammation and destruction of the bowel.
3Which infants are at highest risk for NEC?
Preterm and very low birth weight infants.
4What is one theory for why NEC develops?
Reduced oxygen or blood flow weakens the intestine, allowing bacteria to damage the bowel after feeding.
5How can preterm infant formula affect NEC risk?
It may increase the risk compared with human breast milk.
6What are common signs of NEC?
Abdominal distention, feeding intolerance, bloody stools, vomiting, and lethargy.
7What is the first nutrition intervention for NEC?
Stop enteral feedings.
8How is gas relieved in infants with NEC?
By decompressing the bowel with a gastric tube.
9Why is parenteral nutrition (PN) used in NEC?
To provide nutrients while the bowel rests.
10Why are antibiotics given to infants with NEC?
To treat or prevent infection.
11When is surgery needed for NEC?
If bowel perforation or severe tissue damage occurs.
12What surgical procedures may be required for NEC?
Ileostomy or colostomy.
13What is the approximate fatality rate of NEC?
About 25%.
14What is gastroschisis?
A birth defect where the abdominal contents protrude through an opening in the abdominal wall.
15Which infants are more likely to have gastroschisis?
Small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants.
16Why is gastroschisis considered a surgical emergency?
The exposed organs are at high risk for injury and infection.
17What is the survival rate for gastroschisis?
About 90%.
18Why might an infant with gastroschisis require parenteral nutrition?
The intestines may not function normally immediately after surgery.
19What percentage of very low birth weight infants experience feeding problems?
Approximately 40-45%.
20Why are feeding problems stressful for families?
They make feeding difficult and can affect growth and development.
21At what age are full-term infants usually ready for complementary foods?
Around 6 months.
22How should complementary food timing be adjusted for preterm infants?
Use corrected age rather than chronological age.
23When would an infant born at 32 weeks typically begin complementary foods?
About 8 months chronological age.
24What is a cleft lip?
A birth defect in which the upper lip does not completely form.
25What is a cleft palate?
A birth defect in which the roof of the mouth does not completely close.
26How can cleft lip or palate affect feeding?
They make sucking difficult and increase the risk of poor intake.
27What feeding equipment is commonly used for infants with cleft lip or palate?
Specialized nipples or bottles.
28Can some infants with cleft lip or palate breastfeed successfully?
Yes, depending on the severity of the defect.
29What long-term therapy may children with cleft palate require?
Speech therapy.
30How is cleft lip or palate typically treated?
Surgical repair.
31Why is frequent growth assessment important for infants with feeding disorders?
To detect inadequate growth early.
32What should be monitored during nutrition intervention?
Growth, fluid intake, food intake, and feeding tolerance.
33How can feeding schedules be modified to improve intake?
Adjust feeding frequency, timing, volume, or concentration.
34Why might nutrient density be increased?
To provide more calories and nutrients in smaller volumes.
35Why is feeding position important?
It improves swallowing and decreases choking or aspiration risk.
36Why is parent education an important nutrition intervention?
It improves feeding techniques and confidence.
37Why should infant-caregiver interactions be observed?
To identify feeding difficulties or behavioral concerns.
38Why should developmental abilities be considered during feeding?
Feeding recommendations should match the infant's developmental stage.
39Which infants often qualify for nutrition support services?
Preterm infants and infants with special health care needs.
40What federal law supports Early Intervention Programs?
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part C.
41What is the purpose of Early Intervention Programs?
Provide developmental and nutrition services to eligible infants and toddlers.
42What is Early Head Start?
A program providing developmental, nutrition, and family support services for infants and toddlers.
43How does WIC support infants with nutrition needs?
Provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, healthy foods, and referrals.
44What are State Children with Special Health Care Needs programs?
State programs providing specialized medical and nutrition services.
45Which infant feeding issue is most likely to require individualized nutrition intervention?
Poor growth due to feeding difficulties.
46Why is individualized nutrition care important?
Each infant's medical condition and developmental stage are different.
47What is the primary nutrition goal after surgery for gastroschisis?
Support healing and achieve adequate growth.
48Why are corrected age recommendations important for preterm infants?
Development is based on expected due date rather than birth date.
49Which condition requires bowel rest and parenteral nutrition?
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
50Which condition commonly requires specialized feeding equipment?
Cleft lip and cleft palate.
51Which condition has inflammation and destruction of the intestine?
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
52Which condition is characterized by abdominal organs protruding through the abdominal wall?
Gastroschisis.
53What nutrition intervention should always accompany feeding modifications?
Frequent monitoring of growth and nutritional status.
54What is the RD's role in infants with special health care needs?
Assess nutritional status, develop individualized feeding plans, monitor growth, educate caregivers, and coordinate with the healthcare team.