Final answer:
The Silverman-Anderson Index is a clinical scoring system used to assess the severity of respiratory distress in newborn infants. It helps determine the level of respiratory distress and guide treatment decisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Silverman-Anderson Index is a clinical scoring system used to assess the severity of respiratory distress in newborn infants. It is commonly used to evaluate the need for respiratory support in preterm infants. The index evaluates five clinical parameters including intercostal retractions, xiphoid retractions, expiratory grunt, nasal flaring, and cyanosis, assigning each parameter a score from 0 to 2. The total score helps healthcare professionals determine the level of respiratory distress and guide treatment decisions.