Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

In infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, how much may their energy needs increase?

1. 10%-20%

2. 20%-40%

3. 40%-60%

4. 60%-80%

The correct answer is: 20%-40%

In infants diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), energy needs are significantly elevated due to the increased work of breathing and the need to support growth and development despite the respiratory challenges posed by the condition. BPD is characterized by injury to the lungs from mechanical ventilation or oxygen exposure, leading to airway inflammation and increased energy demands. The correct choice reflects that energy needs may increase by approximately 20% to 40%. This increase is essential to provide the necessary calories to support both respiratory function and growth. Infants with BPD necessitate more energy to overcome the increased oxygen demands and to maintain an adequate nutritional status, given that they may also have feeding difficulties due to respiratory distress. This increase in energy needs is carefully monitored since insufficient caloric intake can lead to poor growth outcomes, while excessive caloric intake can contribute to the worsening of respiratory issues or metabolic complications. Thus, it is critical in the management of infants with BPD to adjust their caloric intake within this range to support their unique physiological requirements.