What is the first treatment for an infant born at 28 weeks gestation?

What is the first treatment for an infant born at 28 weeks gestation?

• A. Place the neonate in a radiant warmer
• B. Start intravenous fluids
• C. Administer surfactant therapy
• D. Initiate phototherapy

Answer: (A)

The first treatment for an infant born at 28 weeks gestation is to place the neonate in a radiant warmer. This is crucial because preterm infants, particularly those born as early as 28 weeks, are at a high risk for hypothermia due to their immature thermoregulation systems and smaller body mass. A radiant warmer helps maintain normothermia to ensure that the infant’s metabolic needs are met and to prevent hypothermia, which can lead to serious complications. Once the infant's temperature is stable in the radiant warmer, further assessments can be performed, and other treatments, such as intravenous fluids and surfactant therapy, can be initiated as needed based on the infant's condition. Phototherapy may also be warranted later if there are signs of jaundice. Overall, keeping the infant warm is the immediate priority in the initial care of a preterm neonate.

The first treatment for an infant born at 28 weeks gestation is to place the neonate in a radiant warmer. This is crucial because preterm infants, particularly those born as early as 28 weeks, are at a high risk for hypothermia due to their immature thermoregulation systems and smaller body mass. A radiant warmer helps maintain normothermia to ensure that the infant’s metabolic needs are met and to prevent hypothermia, which can lead to serious complications.

Once the infant's temperature is stable in the radiant warmer, further assessments can be performed, and other treatments, such as intravenous fluids and surfactant therapy, can be initiated as needed based on the infant's condition. Phototherapy may also be warranted later if there are signs of jaundice. Overall, keeping the infant warm is the immediate priority in the initial care of a preterm neonate.