Which condition increases the risk of apnea in preterm infants?

• A. Hypoglycemia
• B. Decreased lung volume
• C. Immature central nervous system
• D. Increased body weight

Answer: (C)

The condition that increases the risk of apnea in preterm infants is the immaturity of the central nervous system. In preterm infants, the central nervous system is not fully developed, which can lead to difficulties in regulating breathing patterns. This immaturity can cause disruptions in the respiratory centers of the brain, making it harder for these infants to maintain consistent, effective breathing.

As preterm infants often experience periodic breathing patterns, they may have episodes of apnea, which are defined as pauses in breathing that last longer than 20 seconds. The immature central nervous system is particularly vulnerable to these episodes, as it struggles to maintain the normal rhythms needed for consistent respiration, particularly during sleep.

While other conditions like hypoglycemia could potentially affect breathing, and decreased lung volume is a concern for overall respiratory health, the direct link to the risk of apnea is much more clearly associated with the underdevelopment of the central nervous system in preterm infants. Increased body weight does not inherently correlate with an increased risk of apnea; instead, it often suggests a more stable physiological state, assuming the infant is not suffering from underlying health issues.