Which of the following is a complication associated with premature infants?

Cerebral palsy is a recognized complication associated with premature infants due to the increased risk of brain injury during development. Prematurity can lead to a variety of neurological issues, including intraventricular hemorrhage and white matter injury, both of which are known contributors to the development of cerebral palsy. The earlier a baby is born, the greater the likelihood of these risks, which may result in motor impairments and coordination difficulties characteristic of cerebral palsy.

While visible bruising may occur in infants, it is often related to factors such as birth trauma or conditions like bleeding disorders rather than a specific complication of prematurity. High blood pressure is not typically a direct complication associated with prematurity; infants in the NICU often deal with issues related to blood pressure, but hypertension is more commonly a concern in different clinical contexts. Frequent colds are a concern for many infants as they grow and are exposed to pathogens, but preterm infants are more at risk for respiratory complications primarily due to their underdeveloped lungs and immune system rather than for an increased frequency of colds specifically. Therefore, the association of cerebral palsy with the developmental challenges faced by premature infants makes it the most relevant choice.