Final answer:
A baby born with respiratory distress and excess drooling may be diagnosed with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). The best diagnostic test for RDS is a blood gas test and chest X-ray. It's important to also look for other signs and symptoms that may indicate specific causes and check for meconium aspiration.
Step-by-step explanation:
A baby born with respiratory distress and excess drooling may be diagnosed with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). RDS primarily occurs in infants born prematurely and results from insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant, which prevents the lungs from properly inflating at birth. The best diagnostic test for RDS is a blood gas test and chest X-ray to confirm lung involvement.
When evaluating a baby with respiratory distress and excess drooling, it's important to also look for other signs and symptoms that may indicate specific causes, such as temperature instability, apnea, bradycardia, hypotension, difficulty feeding, irritability, and limpness. Additional assessment may include checking for meconium aspiration, which can obstruct the airways and lead to complications.