Final answer:
Oxygenation is more challenging for a neonate with surfactant deficiency, commonly caused by premature birth, leading to respiratory distress syndrome. Low birth weight and maternal smoking are additional factors that can complicate oxygenation in neonates.
Step-by-step explanation:
Oxygenation Issues in Neonates
Oxygenation is more difficult for a neonate with several issues. The most significant is a) Surfactant deficiency. Surfactant is crucial for reducing surface tension in the alveoli, allowing the lungs to inflate properly. When surfactant is lacking, as often seen in premature births, the condition known as hyaline membrane disease or respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) can occur. Symptoms include difficulty inflating the lungs and impaired gas exchange, leading to low blood oxygen levels and increased carbon dioxide levels.
Other factors that can lead to oxygenation challenges include b) Low birth weight, which is commonly associated with prematurity and subsequently underdeveloped lungs. While c) Adequate lung compliance would typically facilitate oxygenation, in the context of RDS, compliance is reduced, regardless of seeming adequacy. Finally, d) Maternal smoking can also compromise fetal lung development, thus making oxygen transfer more problematic post-birth.