Question

A RT is reviewing the electronic medical record of a laboring mother who is 100% effaced, and whose cervix is 6cm dilated. The result of the LS was 2.5. The RT should conclude:

a) The fetus is not at risk for respiratory distress syndrome
b) The fetus is at high risk for respiratory distress syndrome
c) The mother has gestational diabetes
d) The mother is at risk for preterm labor

Answer 1

The RT should conclude that the fetus is at high risk for respiratory distress syndrome.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the given scenario, the LS result of 2.5 indicates that the fetus is at high risk for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

RDS primarily occurs in infants born prematurely, and it results from insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant, which prevents the lungs from inflating properly at birth.

High LS values, like 2.5, suggest low levels of pulmonary surfactant, indicating a higher likelihood of RDS.