**Question:** A premature infant is more likely than a full term infant to -

A. develop respiratory distress syndrome
B. have impaired immune function
C. have feeding difficulties
D. suffer from hypotonia

**Core Concept:** Premature infants, born before 37 weeks of gestation, are at a higher risk for certain complications due to their immature physiological development.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Premature infants are at higher risk for developing respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), as they lack the development of the surfactant-producing cells in the lungs, leading to alveoli collapse and impaired gas exchange.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

A. **Option A (develop respiratory distress syndrome):** As mentioned, premature infants are more likely to develop RDS due to immature lungs.
B. **Option B (have impaired immune function):** While premature infants have a higher risk of infections, the correct answer is more specific to RDS and not general immune function.
C. **Option C (have feeding difficulties):** While gastrointestinal issues are more common in premature infants, the correct answer focuses on a more specific issue related to prematurity.
D. **Option D (suffer from hypotonia):** Hypotonia is a general term for low muscle tone and is not specific to premature infants, while RDS is a more specific complication related to prematurity.

**Clinical Pearl:** Premature infants require close monitoring and supportive care to minimize complications due to their immature physiology.

**Correct Answer:** . [Answer Text]

In summary, premature infants are more prone to develop respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) due to immature lungs and the absence of surfactant-producing cells. This risk increases with decreasing gestational age at birth.