Inpatient Obstetric Nurse Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

Impaired regulation of blood pressure in preterm infants can lead to fluctuations in cerebral blood flow. This is particularly crucial because the brain is very sensitive to changes in blood pressure, especially in infants who are still developing. When blood pressure is not adequately regulated, it may cause either hyperperfusion or hypoperfusion of the brain tissue, leading to conditions such as intraventricular hemorrhage or other neurological complications. These fluctuations can have serious implications for a preterm infant's neurological health and overall development.

In contrast, although high blood sugar levels, low heart rate, and hyperthermia can occur in neonates, they are typically not direct consequences of impaired blood pressure regulation. Blood sugar levels could be influenced by metabolic issues, a low heart rate might indicate other cardiac or respiratory concerns, and hyperthermia could arise from environmental factors or infection rather than blood pressure fluctuations. Thus, the connection between irregular blood pressure and cerebral blood flow is a critical concern in the care of preterm infants.