For a two-week-old neonate, approximately how many calories per day are needed for growth?

For a two-week-old neonate, approximately how many calories per day are needed for growth?

• A. 250
• B. 345
• C. 400
• D. 500

Answer: (B)

Energy needs for growth in a newborn are estimated based on body weight, because growth requires extra calories beyond basic metabolism. For term infants, about 105 kcal per kilogram per day supports tissue growth and maintenance. Using a typical birth weight around 3.3 kg gives roughly 3.3 × 105 ≈ 345 kcal per day. That makes 345 kcal the best estimate for a two-week-old neonate. If you consider the other amounts: 250 kcal is lower than expected for this weight, while 400 or 500 kcal would be higher than the usual growth requirement for a healthy term neonate unless specific circumstances (like very rapid catch-up growth or prematurity) apply.

Energy needs for growth in a newborn are estimated based on body weight, because growth requires extra calories beyond basic metabolism. For term infants, about 105 kcal per kilogram per day supports tissue growth and maintenance. Using a typical birth weight around 3.3 kg gives roughly 3.3 × 105 ≈ 345 kcal per day. That makes 345 kcal the best estimate for a two-week-old neonate.

If you consider the other amounts: 250 kcal is lower than expected for this weight, while 400 or 500 kcal would be higher than the usual growth requirement for a healthy term neonate unless specific circumstances (like very rapid catch-up growth or prematurity) apply.