Question

A RT assess an infant born at 38 weeks gestation. A review of the medical record reveals the infant born to a mother who received two doses of antenatal steroids and had a premature rupture of membranes for 32 hours prior to delivery. Upon assessment, the following data: HR 170 BPM, RR 68 breaths/min, Cap refill 2 seconds. Which of the following conditions should the respiratory therapist suspect?

a) Sepsis
b) Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
c) Meconium aspiration syndrome
d) Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN)

Answer 1

The respiratory therapist should suspect Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in the infant based on the given assessment data. RDS primarily occurs in premature infants due to insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant, which prevents the lungs from properly inflating at birth. Treatment for RDS may involve resuscitation, intubation, mechanical ventilation, nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and administration of pulmonary surfactant.

Step-by-step explanation:

The respiratory therapist should suspect Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in the infant based on the given assessment data. RDS primarily occurs in premature infants due to insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant, which prevents the lungs from properly inflating at birth. Symptoms of RDS include dyspnea, low blood oxygen levels, high blood carbon dioxide levels, and high pH. Treatment for RDS may involve resuscitation, intubation, mechanical ventilation, nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and administration of pulmonary surfactant.