What is the difference between a PRETERM infant and a LOW BIRTHWEIGHT infant?
(116) A preterm infant is one who is born prior to 38 weeks after conception. A low birth weight infant is born after a regular gestation period of 38 to 42 weeks but weighs less than 5 1/2 pounds. Both preterm and low birth weight infants are considered at risk. 515. List three problems associated with low birthweight. (116-117) Low birth weight children are more likely than normal-birth weight children to have a learning disability, attention deficit disorder, or breathing problems such as asthma. 517. List and describe 2 measures of health or responsiveness of infants. (119) The APGAR SCALE is widely used to assess the health of newborns at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. The Apgar scale evaluates infants heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, body color, and reflex irritability. Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale is performed within 24 to 36 hours after birth to evaluate the newborns neurological development, reflexes, and reactions to people.
