What should be considered a risk when a baby is born with higher birth weights?

Study for the NAIT Primary Care Paramedic NOCP Pathophysiology Test. Ace your exam with our multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your pathophysiology exam!

When a baby is born with higher birth weights, one significant risk to consider is the potential for brachial nerve plexus injury. This injury can occur during delivery, particularly in cases of shoulder dystocia, which is more likely with larger infants. The increased weight may lead to complications during delivery as the baby's shoulders can become trapped behind the mother's pelvic bone, potentially stretching or damaging the nerves of the brachial plexus, which control the movement and sensation of the arm.

Brachial plexus injuries in larger infants can result in conditions such as Erb's palsy, affecting the infant's ability to use their arm after birth. This risk emphasizes the importance of careful monitoring and planning for the delivery of larger babies to avoid such complications.

In the context of the other options, the increased chance of breech delivery generally relates more to fetal positioning rather than weight, and while larger infants may present challenges, the direct link to breech delivery is less consequential. The suggestion of a higher likelihood of maternal infection does not directly correlate with birth weight, while the statement that larger infants are less likely to require neonatal care contradicts clinical observations, as higher birth weights often come with increased need for monitoring and potential medical interventions.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy