What is a potential outcome if a patient with IUGR is not monitored appropriately?

Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) refers to a fetus that is unable to grow at the expected rate during pregnancy, potentially leading to numerous complications if not monitored and managed properly. The correct outcome related to a lack of appropriate monitoring in a patient with IUGR is an increased risk of neonatal infection.

When a fetus exhibits IUGR, there may be various underlying causes, such as placental insufficiency or maternal health issues, which can compromise fetal well-being. Inadequate monitoring can result in missed opportunities to identify and address these complications. For example, if the fetus is not continuously assessed for signs of distress or infection, the newborn may be at risk for conditions such as pneumonia or sepsis after birth due to difficulties encountered during intrauterine life.

Appropriate monitoring allows healthcare providers to make informed decisions, which might include the timing of delivery or implementing interventions to support fetal health. Improved outcomes are often associated with proper surveillance, as they enable early detection of changes in fetal condition, thus reducing the risk of complications, including infections.

In contrast, other outcomes listed, such as improved growth after birth or higher birth weight, would generally not be expected in cases of IUGR without appropriate intervention and monitoring. Moreover,