A key aspect of care for an infant with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is which of the following?

• A. Maximizing Calorie Intake
• B. Avoiding Diuretics
• C. Ventilator Management that Facilitates Hypocarbia
• D. Maximizing Fluid Restriction

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia need extra energy to support growth and healing because their work of breathing and underlying inflammation raise metabolic demands. Providing high-calorie, high-protein nutrition helps preserve lean body mass, promote catch-up growth, and strengthen respiratory muscles, all of which contribute to better outcomes. Fortified breast milk or specialized high-calorie formulas are commonly used, and tube feeding may be necessary to ensure adequate intake when the infant tires easily or cannot feed effectively.

Diuretic use and fluid restriction are tools in the broader management of BPD, but they’re not the central focus for supporting growth. Ventilator goals involve achieving good gas exchange while minimizing lung injury, and avoiding hypocarbia is important because low CO2 can increase the risk of brain injury; the aim is stable ventilation rather than promoting hypocarbia. Hydration is important, but excessive fluid restriction can impede growth. So prioritizing maximizing calories directly addresses the core growth and development needs of these infants.