Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

The association of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) with various clinical features is critical for understanding the care of affected neonates. The condition often leads to an increase in the oxygen requirements of the infant due to impaired gas exchange and lung function. As their lungs are at various stages of development and may have inflammation and scarring, these infants typically need supplemental oxygen to maintain adequate oxygen saturation levels.

Increased calorie needs are also common in infants with BPD. These infants often have increased energy expenditures due to their increased work of breathing, metabolic demands associated with the disease, and the overall stress placed on their developing bodies. Thus, they may require higher caloric intake to support growth and development.

In many cases, infants diagnosed with BPD experience a lengthened hospital stay. This is because they require close monitoring and may need additional interventions such as respiratory support, nutritional management, and treatment of any complications that arise.

In contrast, a decreased respiratory rate is not a typical feature associated with BPD. Infants with this condition often exhibit an increased respiratory rate due to compromised lung function and the need for more frequent and efficient breaths to compensate for inadequate gas exchange. Therefore, recognizing that a decreased respiratory rate is not commonly linked to bronchopul