Final answer:
Resuscitation and stabilization of a preterm baby involve critical interventions such as the use of ventilators, CPAP, and administration of pulmonary surfactant, as well as supportive therapies for temperature, nutrition, and potential infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
Resuscitation and Stabilization of a Preterm Baby
Immediately after birth, especially in the case of a preterm baby, several medical interventions may be necessary to ensure the survival and stabilization of the infant. If resuscitation is needed, this could involve intubation and placement on a ventilator to assist with breathing if the baby does not breathe independently. Alternatively, nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may be applied if spontaneous breathing occurs. A crucial aspect of care is the administration of pulmonary surfactant, which reduces the surface tension of the alveoli and is essential for lung inflation. This therapy has significantly decreased mortality due to respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) by 50 percent.
Alongside these critical interventions, supportive therapies might include the regulation of body temperature, providing nutritional support, and administering antibiotics. These treatments are vital for the underdeveloped organ systems of preterm infants, notably the respiratory and nervous systems, which are fundamental for survival. With medical advancements, the viability of the fetus has improved, and preterm babies born after 26 weeks now have a survival rate above 90 percent with the necessary medical care.