Question

The nurse in a newborn nursery is monitoring a preterm newborn for respiratory distress syndrome. Which assessment findings would alert the nurse to the possibility of this syndrome?

1. Tachypnea and retractions
2. Acrocyanosis and grunting
3. Hypotension and bradycardia
4. Presence of a barrel chest and acrocyanosis

Answer 1

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) primarily occurs in premature newborns due to insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant. Some assessment findings that may indicate RDS include tachypnea (rapid breathing) and retractions (visible sinking of the skin between the ribs during breathing).

Step-by-step explanation:

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) primarily occurs in premature newborns due to insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant. Some assessment findings that would alert the nurse to the possibility of this syndrome include tachypnea (rapid breathing) and retractions (visible sinking of the skin between the ribs during breathing). These findings suggest that the baby is working harder to breathe and may be experiencing respiratory distress.