Final answer:
The correct action for the Respiratory Therapist is to perform the heel stick procedure to assess the newborn's oxygenation status, as it provides critical information for managing respiratory support. A premature infant might need supplemental oxygen due to immature lung development and Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
Step-by-step explanation:
Given that a 7-hour-old infant is experiencing respiratory distress, the correct action for the Respiratory Therapist (RT) would be to perform the heel stick procedure to assess the infant's oxygenation status (option a). This procedure will provide a blood sample to determine the infant's oxygenation and carbon dioxide levels, which are critical for managing the infant's respiratory support. Since the neonatologist ordered the heel stick procedure, it is the appropriate and immediate course of action unless there is a specific contraindication for performing the test at this time. Delaying the procedure (option d) or administering supplemental oxygen without further assessment (option c) could put the infant at risk of inappropriate treatment. Consulting the neonatologist for an alternative approach (option b) is unnecessary at this time, as the heel stick is a standard procedure for assessing oxygenation in infants with respiratory difficulties.
A premature infant may require supplemental oxygen due to immature lung development and the potential for conditions like Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), where their lungs lack sufficient surfactant to keep airways open. Medical support, including supplemental oxygen, helps support the infant until proper lung development can occur, reducing potential complications and mortality associated with RDS.