Welcome to Unit 2 - Nutritional Requirements of the Preterm Infant
Born too soon, preterm infants lose precious weeks of the normal rapid growth and development that takes place in the last trimester of gestation. They often enter the world too weak to suckle, with an immature gut and immune system. Often they must expend disproportionate energy breathing. Most are born at an appropriate weight for gestational age, but by 36 weeks' postmenstrual age nearly 80% will show growth faltering. Provision of appropriate nutrients in adequate amounts to premature infants is complicated by the frequent need for parenteral nutritional support, issues of nutrient absorption and metabolism, illnesses, and unusually high nutritional requirements to support growth. An understanding of the special nutritional requirements of premature infants as well as available supplements and fortifiers is critical to give these tiny patients the best chances of survival, health and normal growth and development.
The likely duration that the Learner will need to engage with the Material is 180 minutes.
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