What characterizes a term infant?

A term infant is characterized as one that is born between the end of week 37 and the completion of week 42 of gestation. This definition is critical for understanding various aspects of neonatal care and development. Infants born during this gestational period are considered fully developed and are not at the higher risk for complications associated with preterm infants, who are born before 37 weeks.

This time frame is essential for the maturation of body systems, particularly the respiratory and neurological systems, which are vital for the infant's ability to thrive outside the womb. Being classified as a term infant helps healthcare providers support appropriate feeding practices, monitor growth patterns, and provide necessary interventions if any issues arise.

The other options describe characteristics that do not define a term infant. For instance, gestational weeks before 37 and after 42 are classified as preterm and post-term, respectively, while the other options reference specific measurements and weight ranges that do not specifically correlate with the term classification. Thus, understanding the gestational timeline is crucial in neonatal nursing practice.