A term newborn is noted to have lost about 5% of their birth weight by the 10th day of life. How should this weight change be interpreted?
- Evidence of overfeeding
- Normal physiological weight loss
- Possible dehydration requiring immediate intervention
- Indicative of failure to thrive
The correct answer is:
Normal physiological weight loss
Please contact distinguished papers for help with Question 100 / NURS-6501N Advanced Pathophysiology or any other assignment.
Email: distinguishedpapers@yahoo.com
Explanation:
In term newborns, the following weight changes are expected:
- Physiological weight loss:
- 5–7% loss of birth weight by day 3–4 of life (due to fluid shifts, meconium passage, and limited initial intake).
- Return to birth weight by day 10–14.
- This baby’s 5% loss by day 10 is normal (likely already stabilizing/gaining).
Why Not the Others?
- Overfeeding: Newborns rarely overfeed; weight loss would be <3% if excess intake.
- Dehydration: Suspect if >10% loss, poor feeding, or dry mucous membranes.
- Failure to thrive: Requires persistent weight loss/growth faltering (not a single data point).
Key Points:
- Breastfed babies often lose slightly more (7–10%) but still normalize by 2 weeks.
- Intervene only if:
- Loss exceeds 10%.
- No regain by 2 weeks.
- Signs of dehydration (e.g., fewer wet diapers, lethargy).
Thus, 5% loss by day 10 is normal.
