Inpatient Obstetric Nurse (NCC) Practice Exam

What condition can result from fluctuations in cerebral blood flow in preterm infants?

1. Intracranial hemorrhage

2. Neonatal jaundice

3. Hyperbilirubinemia

4. Meconium aspiration syndrome

The correct answer is: Intracranial hemorrhage

Fluctuations in cerebral blood flow in preterm infants can lead to intracranial hemorrhage, which is characterized by bleeding within the brain due to the fragility of the blood vessels in this vulnerable population. Preterm infants are particularly susceptible to changes in blood pressure and systemic circulation, which can cause abrupt increases or decreases in cerebral perfusion. These fluctuations may result in vessel rupture and subsequent bleeding, particularly in the germinal matrix, a highly vascular area in the developing brain. Intracranial hemorrhage may manifest in various forms, with the most common being grade I to IV hemorrhages as classified by the Papile grading system. Early detection and management are crucial, as this condition can lead to significant long-term neurological impairments and developmental issues. The other conditions listed are not directly linked to fluctuations in cerebral blood flow. Neonatal jaundice and hyperbilirubinemia primarily relate to the breakdown of red blood cells and liver function, whereas meconium aspiration syndrome is associated with the inhalation of meconium-stained amniotic fluid into the lungs during delivery. Each of these conditions arises from different physiological processes rather than changes in cerebral circulation.