Final answer:
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a condition that primarily occurs in premature infants with insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant. It leads to dyspnea and compromised gas exchange, resulting in low blood oxygen levels, high blood carbon dioxide levels, and high blood pH. Treatment involves resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, and administration of pulmonary surfactant.
Step-by-step explanation:
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a condition that primarily occurs in premature infants due to insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant. This prevents the lungs from properly inflating at birth and leads to dyspnea and compromised gas exchange. Clinical findings in infants with RDS include low blood oxygen levels, high blood carbon dioxide levels, and high blood pH. Lab findings may include a coarse rattling sound upon auscultation, abnormal blood gas tests, and chest X-rays confirming meconium aspiration. The treatment for RDS involves resuscitation, intubation, mechanical ventilation, and administration of pulmonary surfactant.