A nurse is collecting data from a newborn who has respiratory distress syndrome and is experiencing respiratory acidosis. Which of the following risk factors predisposes the newborn to respiratory difficulties?

Choice A reason:

Slow growth is a common symptom of thalassemia, especially in children. It is caused by the reduced production of hemoglobin and red blood cells, which leads to anemia and poor oxygen delivery to the tissues. Slow growth can also affect the development of facial bones and cause deformities.

Choice B reason:

Fatigue is another common symptom of thalassemia, also related to anemia and low oxygen levels in the body. People with thalassemia may feel tired, weak, and short of breath even after mild physical activity. Fatigue can also affect their mood, concentration, and quality of life.

Choice C reason:

Hematoma is not a typical symptom of thalassemia. Hematoma is a collection of blood under the skin or in an organ, usually caused by trauma, injury, or bleeding disorders. People with thalassemia may have a higher risk of bleeding due to low platelet counts or frequent blood transfusions, but this does not necessarily result in hematoma.

Choice D reason:

Pruritus is not a typical symptom of thalassemia. Pruritus is a sensation of itching that can affect any part of the body. It can have many causes, such as dry skin, allergies, infections, or liver problems. People with thalassemia may experience pruritus as a side effect of iron overload or iron chelation therapy, but it is not a direct consequence of the condition.

Choice E reason:

Ecchymoses are not typical symptoms of thalassemia. Ecchymoses are large bruises that appear on the skin due to bleeding under the surface. They can be caused by trauma, injury, or bleeding disorders. People with thalassemia may have a higher risk of bleeding due to low platelet counts or frequent blood transfusions, but this does not necessarily result in ecchymoses.

Choice A reason:

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects movement, posture, and muscle tone. It can be caused by brain damage that occurs before, during, or after birth. Premature babies are at a higher risk of developing cerebral palsy because they are more likely to have bleeding in the brain, lack of oxygen to the brain, infections or other complications that can damage the brain.

Choice B reason:

Color blindness is a condition that affects the ability to see colors or differences in colors. It is usually inherited and not related to prematurity. However, some premature babies may develop retinopathy of prematurity, which can affect their vision in other ways.

Choice C reason:

Learning disabilities are problems that affect the ability to learn, read, write, speak or do math. They can be caused by genetic factors, environmental factors or brain injuries.

Premature babies are more likely to have learning disabilities because they are more likely to have brain damage, low birth weight, infections or other complications that can affect their brain development.

Choice D reason:

Retinopathy is a disease that affects the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. Retinopathy of prematurity is a condition that occurs when the blood vessels in the retina grow abnormally in premature babies. This can cause bleeding, scarring or detachment of the retina, which can lead to vision loss or blindness.

Choice E reason:

Apnea is a condition that causes pauses in breathing during sleep. Apnea of prematurity is a condition that affects premature babies who have not fully developed their nervous system and respiratory system. This can cause them to stop breathing for more than 20 seconds at a time, which can lower their oxygen levels and heart rate.