Final answer:
d) 48-72 hours
Death from Respiratory Distress Syndrome usually occurs within 48-72 hours after birth, primarily affecting infants born prematurely due to insufficient pulmonary surfactant. Modern medical treatments have improved survival rates significantly.
Step-by-step explanation:
Death from Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) most commonly occurs within 48-72 hours of birth. RDS is particularly prevalent among infants born prematurely, with those born between 26 and 28 weeks having up to a 50 percent chance of developing the condition. Such infants lack sufficient amounts of pulmonary surfactant, which is necessary for the proper inflation of the lungs and adequate gas exchange. Consequently, these infants have trouble breathing (dyspnea), low blood oxygen levels, high blood carbon dioxide levels, and a high pH.
Despite the vulnerability of infants born around 26 weeks to severe respiratory distress, medical advancements, including resuscitation, intubation, and the application of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), have increased survival rates. The introduction of pulmonary surfactant therapy in particular has halved the mortality rate associated with RDS. Supportive treatments like corticosteroids, supplemental oxygen, and assisted ventilation are also critical in managing RDS and supporting the infant's health until the lungs can develop adequately.