Low birth weight (LBW) baby weight describe as less than?

Appeared in: NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-1)

Explanation

The internationally accepted definition for Low Birth Weight (LBW), established by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a birth weight of less than 2500 grams (2.5 kg).
This definition applies to all newborns, irrespective of their gestational age at birth.
LBW is a significant predictor of neonatal morbidity and mortality, and identifying it at birth is crucial for initiating appropriate care.

Option A: A birth weight of 2000 grams is indeed low, but it does not represent the upper threshold for the LBW classification. It falls within the LBW category.
Option B: A birth weight of 2250 grams is also considered low birth weight, but it is not the standard cutoff point used for the definition.
Option D: A birth weight of 3000 grams is considered a normal and healthy weight for a newborn in many populations, including India where the average is 2800-3000g.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definition of Low Birth Weight (LBW) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Prompt identification of an LBW infant is a critical nursing responsibility. It triggers a cascade of essential interventions aimed at preventing common complications like hypothermia, hypoglycemia, feeding difficulties, and infection.
Nurses play a key role in educating parents about Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), which is a highly effective, low-cost intervention for thermoregulation, promoting breastfeeding, and fostering bonding in stable LBW infants.
What if? If a baby weighs 2600g but is born at 36 weeks, they are not classified as LBW. However, they are a 'late preterm' infant and still at risk for complications like jaundice, feeding problems, and respiratory distress, requiring close nursing observation.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'Low birth weight (LBW)'.
This is a factual recall question that requires knowledge of a standard medical definition.
Access your memory for the specific weight threshold established by health authorities like the WHO.
Scan the options to find the value that matches the definition, which is less than 2500 grams.
Select the option that represents this cutoff value.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) p. 30-32

E6 Text Book Of Pediatric Nursing 3rd Panchali Pal — Part 1 (pp 36-238 of 713) p. 177-179

Practise the full NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-1)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.