Final answer:
In a newborn with IRDS, it's crucial to monitor the gas distribution in the lungs, pH, and fluid input and output. These aspects are significant to their respiratory health and overall well-being. Urine specific gravity isn't typically relevant due to neonatal kidneys' inefficiency at concentrating urine.
Step-by-step explanation:
For a ventilator-dependent newborn with Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome (IRDS), it would be critical to monitor a few important parameters.
These parameters monitor the respiratory health of the newborn and include gas distribution (SBN2) in the lungs, to understand the level of air distribution and gas exchange happening in the lungs, pH which indicates the acid-base balance in the blood and can influence the efficiency of gas exchange, and fluid input and output, that is necessary for maintaining the newborn's hydration status.
Monitoring the urine specific gravity isn't typically relevant under such conditions because neonatal kidneys are immature and inefficient at concentrating urine. On the other hand, imbalances in gas distribution, blood pH, and fluid balance may directly impact the breathing and overall health status of an infant with IRDS.
Learn more about Monitoring parameters in IRDS