Question

A postterm infant is delivered with meconium-stained skin and cord. The newborn is having substernal retractions, grunting, and nasal flaring. Surfactant is administered. Which statement should the nurse provide to the family about the purpose of surfactant?

Answer 1

Surfactant reduces surface tension in the alveoli, aiding lung expansion, improving oxygenation, and easing breathing in a newborn with respiratory distress.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of administering surfactant to a postterm infant experiencing respiratory distress symptoms, such as substernal retractions, grunting, and nasal flaring, is to reduce the surface tension within the infant's alveoli. This is especially critical in the presence of meconium-stained skin and cord, as meconium aspiration can lead to a blockage of the airways and inhibit lung function. Surfactant helps the lungs to expand more easily with each breath and remain open, improving oxygenation and making breathing less laborious for the newborn.