Question

An infant born at 29 weeks of gestation rapidly gave evidence of

respiratory distress. Clinical laboratory and imaging results
supported the diagnosis of infant respiratory distress syndrome.
Which of

Answer 1

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) often occurs in infants born prematurely due to insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant, causing difficulty in lung inflation and gas exchange.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question pertains to Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) that affects newborn infants, particularly those born preterm. RDS is associated with inadequate production of pulmonary surfactant, a substance crucial for lung function that reduces surface tension within the alveoli, allowing the lungs to expand during breathing. Infants born before full term, especially between 26 and 28 weeks of gestation, have a high risk of developing RDS because pulmonary surfactant production is insufficient. This deficiency leads to difficulties inflating the lungs at birth, resulting in dyspnea (difficulty breathing), ineffective gas exchange, low blood oxygen levels, and elevated blood carbon dioxide levels.