Final answer:
Intubation is a lifesaving procedure used in critical care medicine, especially valuable for newborns experiencing respiratory distress, such as those born prematurely at 30 weeks who may require respiratory support and potentially surfactant therapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Intubation and Respiratory Support for Newborns
Intubation is a critical medical procedure often performed when patients, including newborns, have difficulty breathing. This procedure involves inserting a long, plastic tube into the patient's respiratory system to bypass any obstruction and facilitate air reaching the lungs. For newborns, particularly those born prematurely such as a baby at 30 weeks, neonatal intensive care including respiratory support like intubation, is crucial. Oxygen is frequently administered using a squeezable bag connected to the intubation tube, ensuring that the baby receives adequate ventilation. After birth, the newborn's first breath drastically changes the circulatory pattern, as the lungs expand and begin gas exchange, reflecting the transition from fetal to neonatal circulation.
Medical interventions, such as the administration of surfactant therapy, might be necessary for a premature baby's lungs to function properly. Surfactant helps keep the air sacs in the lungs open, allowing for efficient gas exchange. In critical cases like Tom Jump's, the support provided by critical care medicine is invaluable, ensuring that the child receives the appropriate treatment urgently needed to sustain life and promote recovery.