Question

A nurse is caring for an infant who is preterm and has respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Which of the following assessment findings will assist the nurse in evaluating the efficacy of synthetic surfactant?

Answer 1

To evaluate the efficacy of synthetic surfactant in an infant with RDS, the nurse should assess for improved oxygenation, reduced respiratory rate, and a decrease in respiratory support needs.

Step-by-step explanation:

Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome (IRDS), also known as Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), primarily affects premature infants due to insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant, making lung inflation difficult. The administration of synthetic surfactant is a critical intervention to treat RDS. Effective surfactant therapy reduces surface tension in the alveoli, facilitating easier inflation with less effort, improving oxygenation, and decreasing the work of breathing. Hence, to evaluate the efficacy of synthetic surfactant therapy, a nurse should assess for improved levels of blood oxygen and decreased carbon dioxide, alongside clinical signs such as reduced respiratory rate, lessened retractions, and decreased need for additional respiratory supports such as mechanical ventilation or CPAP.