What is a common consequence of feeding difficulties in neonates experiencing heart failure?

Feeding difficulties in neonates with heart failure often result in inadequate calorie intake. These infants may have compromised cardiac function, leading to symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath, which can make feeding less efficient and more challenging. As a result, they may tire quickly during feeding sessions, leading to shorter feeding times and less intake overall. Inadequate calorie intake can contribute to poor growth and development, as these babies struggle to consume enough nutrients to meet their metabolic needs.

In comparison, the other options do not align with the physiological challenges faced by these neonates. Increased energy intake is unlikely due to their inability to feed effectively, and weight gain would typically be minimal given the inadequate calorie consumption. Reduced stress levels is not a common outcome either; in fact, feeding can be a stressful time for infants with heart failure due to the effort required to feed. Thus, the most accurate consequence of feeding difficulties in this context is indeed inadequate calorie intake.