Final answer:
B) respiratory distress syndrome
A preterm infant is at greatest risk for developing Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), which is associated with premature birth and is characterized by insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant, affecting lung function. Effective treatments and medical advances have significantly increased the survival rates of these infants.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse knows that a preterm infant is at greatest risk for developing Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS).
Respiratory distress syndrome primarily occurs in infants born prematurely, affecting a significant percentage of those born between 26 and 31 weeks of gestation. This condition results from the insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant, which is essential for lung inflation at birth. Without enough surfactant, the infant experiences difficulty breathing, leading to low blood oxygen levels and other complications.
Medical advances have significantly improved the ability to treat RDS. Treatment options at the time of delivery can include resuscitation, intubation, mechanical ventilation, application of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and administration of pulmonary surfactant. Supportive therapies, such as temperature regulation, nutritional support, and antibiotics, are also crucial for the care of preterm infants with RDS.