General indicators of adaptation difficulty
are apparent in the hospitalized,
preterm infant. Exaggerated regulator
activity (for example, increased heart
rate, behavioral distress, and hyperactivity)
and cognator ineffectiveness (for
example, ineffective learning and information
processing) are frequently exhibited
by these infants. Specific signs
of ineffective responses that may be
seen in the preterm’s physiological status
include heart rate instability, oxygen
saturation instability, inappropriate
sleep patterns, increased motor activity,
increased behavioral distress, and decreased
weight gain.