Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

The skin barrier function in the 25 week gestation neonate may take up to how many weeks to mature?

1. 2 weeks

2. 4 weeks

3. 8 weeks

4. 10 weeks

The correct answer is: 8 weeks

The skin barrier function of a neonate born at 25 weeks gestation is significantly underdeveloped due to prematurity. This immature epidermis has a thinner stratum corneum and is less lipid-rich, which results in increased permeability and susceptibility to transepidermal water loss. The maturation of the skin barrier is a gradual process that begins to improve as the neonate develops. Studies show that the skin barrier function continues to mature over time, with substantial improvement expected to occur around 8 weeks of age. By this point, the skin's structure and composition, including the production of lipids and proteins necessary for barrier function, begin to approach that of a full-term neonate. Consequently, the timeline of up to 8 weeks is consistent with the normal trajectory of skin barrier development in very preterm infants, making this understanding essential for managing their care in a neonatal setting.