Final answer:
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) affects premature infants due to insufficient pulmonary surfactant and is treated with therapies that reduce mortality rates. Aspiration of meconium is another risk, but can be diagnosed and managed with appropriate measures. Endotracheal intubation during general anesthesia secures the airway and supports breathing until recovery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), primarily seen in premature infants, is a condition that results from insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant. This deficiency leads to difficulty in lung inflation at birth, resulting in low oxygen levels and high carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Medical advances have led to treatments that include the administration of pulmonary surfactant, which has decreased the mortality rate from RDS by 50%. Additional treatments may involve resuscitation, intubation, nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), corticosteroids, supplemental oxygen, and ventilator support. Comprehensive supportive care is also crucial, covering aspects like temperature regulation, nutritional support, and administration of antibiotics to prevent further complications.
Aspiration of meconium can occur with a newborn's first breath, posing the risk of airway obstruction, surfactant stripping, pulmonary inflammation, hypertension, and a greater susceptibility to infections such as pneumonia. In such cases, an obstetrician uses a stethoscope to listen for distinctive sounds in the lungs, and confirmation is obtained through blood gas tests and chest X-rays.
During general anesthesia, particularly in general surgeries, endotracheal intubation may be used to secure the airway and ensure the patient's lungs remain open, avoiding complications such as airway obstruction by the tongue or ineffective respiratory muscle movement. Post-operative recovery includes weaning from anesthesia and the removal of the endotracheal tube once respiratory muscles regain control.