Question

A 2-day-old infant born at 32 weeks gestation

has had breathing difficulties since birth
and is currently on a respirator and 100% oxygen.
These difficulties occur due to which one
of the following?
(A) An inability of the lung to contract to exhale
(B) An inability of the lung to expand when
taking in air
(C) An inability of the lung to respond to
insulin
(D) An inability of the lung to respond to
glucagon
(E) An inability of the lung to produce energy

Answer 1

The difficulties experienced by the infant are due to an inability of the lung to expand when taking in air, which is caused by insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant.

Step-by-step explanation:

The breathing difficulties experienced by a 2-day-old infant born at 32 weeks gestation and currently on a respirator and 100% oxygen are most likely due to an inability of the lung to expand when taking in air. This can be attributed to insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant, a substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli of the lungs and allows them to inflate properly. Without enough surfactant, the lungs struggle to expand and perform gas exchange, resulting in breathing difficulties and low blood oxygen levels.