LGA newborns are at greater risk for which of the following conditions?

• A. Respiratory distress
• B. Injury, shoulder dystocia, and a broken clavicle
• C. Cleft palate
• D. Congenital heart defects

Answer: (B)

Newborns classified as large for gestational age (LGA) are indeed at greater risk for specific complications, particularly those associated with their size and the delivery process. One of the key risks for LGA newborns is injury during delivery, which includes conditions such as shoulder dystocia. Shoulder dystocia occurs when the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck after the head is delivered, often due to the baby's larger size. This can lead to injuries such as a broken clavicle, as the medical team must apply maneuvers to safely deliver the baby.

Injuries related to shoulder dystocia are particularly prominent in LGA newborns because their size may exceed the birth canal's capacity, leading to complications during a vaginal birth. Consequently, medical professionals often have to adjust their techniques or consider cesarean delivery to mitigate these risks effectively.

While the other choices present valid concerns for newborns in general, LGA newborns are most notably predisposed to mechanical complications during delivery. Therefore, the heightened risk of injury, shoulder dystocia, and a broken clavicle specifically aligns with the characteristics and challenges presented by LGA newborns.