Question

What does the nurse expect concerning the alveoli in the lungs of a 28-week-gestation neonate?

A. They have a tendency to collapse with each breath
B. There usually is a sufficient supply of pulmonary surfactant
C. Although apparently mature they cannot absorb adequate oxygen
D. Oxygen is not released into the circulation because they overinflate

Answer 1

The alveoli in the lungs of a 28-week-gestation neonate have a tendency to collapse with each breath due to insufficient levels of pulmonary surfactant and immature development.

Step-by-step explanation:

A student has asked what can be expected concerning the alveoli in the lungs of a 28-week-gestation neonate. The correct answer is A. They have a tendency to collapse with each breath. This is because, while major growth and maturation of the respiratory system occur from week 24 until term and more alveolar precursors and surfactant are produced, these are usually not adequate until about the eighth month of pregnancy. At around 28 weeks, sufficient alveolar precursors have matured so that a baby born prematurely at this time can usually breathe on its own, but the production of pulmonary surfactant is not yet sufficient and the alveoli may not be fully mature, leading to potential respiratory distress due to the tendency of the alveoli to collapse.