Question

A premature infant with respiratory distress syndrome receives artificial surfactant. How would the nurse explain surfactant therapy to the parents?

a. "Surfactant improves the ability of your baby's lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide."
b. "The drug keeps your baby from requiring too much sedation."
c. "Surfactant is used to reduce episodes of periodic apnea."
d. "Your baby needs this medication to fight a possible respiratory tract infection."

Answer 1

A nurse would explain artificial surfactant therapy to the parents of a premature infant with RDS as a treatment that improves the baby's lung function by reducing surface tension and aiding in gas exchange.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a premature infant with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) receives artificial surfactant, a nurse would explain surfactant therapy to the parents as follows: "Surfactant improves the ability of your baby's lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide." This statement highlights the critical role that surfactant plays in reducing surface tension within the lungs, making it easier for the airways to inflate and enhancing the lung's ability to function. Babies born prematurely may not produce sufficient amounts of their own surfactant, leading to RDS. The administration of artificial surfactant decreases the effort required to inflate the lungs and prevents the collapse of small alveoli, thereby facilitating the essential exchange of gases.