Final answer:
To minimize the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in a premature infant with RDS on mechanical ventilation, the best recommendation is early extubation to reduce mechanical ventilation time while avoiding pulmonary damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question involves minimizing the propensity for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in an infant born at 30 weeks gestation with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) who is intubated and receiving mechanical ventilation support. The best recommendation for the respiratory therapist (RT) would be early extubation, provided it is clinically feasible, as this can reduce the time on mechanical ventilation thus minimizing the damage that can contribute to BPD. Increasing oxygen concentration is only necessary to maintain adequate oxygenation but should be done cautiously due to the risk of oxygen toxicity leading to BPD. Prolonged mechanical ventilation should be avoided as it can lead to lung injury and contribute to the development of BPD. Delayed surfactant administration is not advisable as early surfactant therapy is associated with improved outcomes. Therefore, the aim should be to support the infant until proper lung development occurs, with early extubation and minimizing the duration of mechanical ventilation when possible.