Final answer:
An L/S ratio of 1.4:1 suggests a high risk of infant respiratory distress syndrome, indicating that the fetus is at risk due to lung immaturity, which may lead to preterm labor.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Lecithin/Sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio and the presence of Phosphatidylglycerol (PG) in the amniotic fluid are used to assess fetal lung maturity. An L/S ratio of about 2.5 indicates mature fetal lungs, while a ratio between 2.4 to 1.6 suggests a low risk and less than 1.5 poses a high risk for infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS). The presence of PG also indicates lung maturity. Therefore, an L/S ratio of 1.4:1 with no mention of PG suggests that the fetus is at risk for IRDS, and it can be anticipated that there might be preterm labor as a consequence of fetal lung immaturity.
Treatment for IRDS may include the administration of steroids to the mother or infant to assist in the development of the lungs, application of surfactants, and the use of a ventilator to support breathing.