Physiological AdaptationQuestion 1406 of 2368

A preterm newborn has an abrupt change in feeding tolerance with abdominal distention and blood in the stool. Which condition should the nurse suspect?

  1. Transient tachypnea of the newborn
  2. Esophageal atresia
  3. Intraventricular hemorrhage
  4. Necrotizing enterocolitis
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Correct answer: Necrotizing enterocolitis

These findings are signs of NEC, which is injury to the cells and tissue of the bowel.

Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), High-risk Newborn Care: Necrotizing Enterocolitis. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026