Final answer:
For a preterm neonate with a Silverman-Anderson score of 6, the nursing intervention required is to administer respiratory support, such as oxygen therapy, CPAP, or mechanical ventilation, and to ensure continued observation, as this score indicates significant respiratory distress.
Step-by-step explanation:
A preterm neonate with a Silverman-Anderson score of 6 requires immediate attention as this scoring system assesses respiratory distress in newborns. The Silverman-Anderson index ranges from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater degrees of respiratory distress. Critical aspects of this scoring system include the evaluation of nasal flaring, intercostal and xiphoidal retractions, respiration rhythm, and grunt at the end of expiration. With a score of 6, the neonate is demonstrating significant signs of respiratory difficulty which need to be addressed promptly.
The appropriate nursing intervention for a neonate with this level of respiratory distress would be to administer respiratory support and ensure careful observation. This support may include oxygen therapy, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), or mechanical ventilation, depending on the baby's condition and the specific protocols of the NICU. These methods help the infant to breathe more effectively and reduce the work of breathing, improving oxygenation and preventing further complications related to respiratory distress in preterm infants.
In addition to addressing respiratory needs, it is important for the nursing staff to monitor the neonate's overall condition continuously, including cardiac status, to ensure that there is adequate perfusion and that the heart is functioning well during this critical period. However, the primary and most urgent intervention aligns with option D, which concerns respiratory support and observation.