Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

What is the approximate gastric capacity of an infant in the first few days of life?

1. 5-10 mls

2. 20-25 mls

3. 30-35 mls

4. 10-15 mls

The correct answer is: 5-10 mls

In the first few days of life, an infant's gastric capacity is quite small, reflecting the size and development stage of the newborn's digestive system. The approximate gastric capacity is around 5 to 10 mL, which aligns with the stomach size of neonates as they transition from receiving their nutrition primarily through placental transfer to utilizing their gastrointestinal tract. This limited capacity necessitates that newborns feed frequently, typically every two to three hours. As the infant grows and the stomach undergoes physiological changes, its capacity gradually increases, allowing for larger volumes of milk to be tolerated. Understanding this small gastric capacity is crucial for neonatal care, particularly when it comes to feeding regimens and recognizing the signs of overfeeding or potential complications related to feeding practices.