A complication of oxygen therapy in pre-term infant may be

UPPSC 2022

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Easy

Appeared in: UPPSC 2022

Explanation

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a major complication of oxygen therapy in premature infants.
The retinal blood vessels of premature infants are not fully developed.
Exposure to high oxygen levels (hyperoxia) causes initial constriction of these immature vessels and suppresses growth factors like VEGF.
When oxygen is reduced, a rebound effect causes abnormal, fragile blood vessel growth (neovascularization) in the retina.
These new vessels can leak, scar, and lead to retinal detachment and potential blindness.

Option B: Atelectasis (lung collapse) in premature infants is primarily caused by a deficiency of surfactant, which is the hallmark of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). While high oxygen can contribute to absorption atelectasis, ROP is the more specific and well-known complication of oxygen toxicity in this population.
Option C: Tachypnea (rapid breathing) is a sign of respiratory distress or hypoxia. Oxygen therapy is a treatment used to correct the underlying cause of tachypnea, not a complication caused by the therapy itself.
Option D: Oxygen therapy does not directly cause weight gain. Adequate oxygenation is essential for normal metabolic processes and growth, but it is not a complication.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Complications of oxygen therapy in premature infants to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Nurses play a critical role in preventing ROP by meticulously managing oxygen therapy for premature infants.
Strict adherence to prescribed oxygen saturation targets (e.g., 91-95%) is vital. Both too high (hyperoxia) and too low (hypoxia) levels are dangerous.
The nurse is responsible for ensuring regular ophthalmology screenings are scheduled and performed for all at-risk infants as per hospital protocol.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key components of the question: the patient population ('pre-term infant'), the intervention ('oxygen therapy'), and the question type ('complication').
Recall the specific vulnerabilities of a premature infant's organ systems, particularly the lungs and eyes.
Think about the effects of high concentrations of oxygen (hyperoxia) on immature tissues.
Evaluate each option. Retinopathy of prematurity is a classic, well-documented complication directly linked to oxygen toxicity in premature infants.
Eliminate the other options. Atelectasis is more related to surfactant deficiency. Tachypnea is a symptom that oxygen treats. Weight gain is not a direct complication.
Confirm that Retinopathy of Prematurity is the most direct and significant complication listed.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Complications of oxygen therapy in premature infants
Stem keywords: complication, oxygen therapy, pre-term infant
Lead-in keywords: may be
Clinical cues: Age/sex group narrows the expected diagnosis, intervention, or normal reference range.

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E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 465-467

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 28-48