Final answer:
Beractant is used to treat neonatal respiratory distress syndrome by supplementing the insufficient natural surfactant in premature infants. Dosage and administration require careful consideration, and healthcare providers must monitor for adverse effects. It is essential to have a robust treatment plan and appropriate intensive care facilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Considerations with Beractant
Beractant is a medication primarily used in the treatment of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), which is a condition commonly seen in premature infants. RDS occurs because these infants have not yet fully developed their lung surfactant, which is a substance that helps the lungs to expand and prevents them from collapsing. Beractant is a natural bovine lung extract containing surfactant that helps to replace this deficiency in premature infants.
Some important considerations when using beractant include patient selection, dosing, and administration. It is critical to choose appropriate patients based on gestational age and the severity of their condition. The correct dosage is determined based on the infant's weight and should be administered by a healthcare professional trained in neonatal intubation and ventilator management. The timing of the dose is also crucial, with the first dose often given shortly after birth to prevent significant respiratory compromise.
Additional considerations include monitoring the infant for any adverse reactions to the medication, such as bradycardia, oxygen desaturation, or airway obstruction due to over administration. Finally, it's essential to have a treatment plan in place for potential complications and to ensure that care is provided in a setting with appropriate neonatal intensive care facilities.