Question

A male infant born at 28-weeks gestation at an outlying hospital is being prepared for transport to a respiration are 92 breaths/minute and his heart rate is 156 beats/minute. Which drug is the transport administration to this infant?

Answer 1

The drug likely to be administered to a 28-week gestational age infant with respiratory distress is pulmonary surfactant. Additional treatments may include corticosteroids, supplemental oxygen, assisted ventilation, or CPAP. Low Apgar scores necessitate immediate medical intervention.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student is asking which drug should be administered to an infant born prematurely, at 28 weeks gestation, who is being prepared for transport to a respiratory intensive care setting. This premature infant is displaying a respiratory rate of 92 breaths per minute and a heart rate of 156 beats per minute, which are indicative of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). To manage this condition, the administration of pulmonary surfactant is typically employed to reduce the surface tension of alveoli in the lungs, helping the infant to breathe more easily. Other therapies that may be considered include corticosteroids, supplemental oxygen, and assisted ventilation through intubation and mechanical support, as well as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Supportive treatments, such as maintaining body temperature, ensuring nutrition, and possible antibiotic therapy, are also essential for the care of the infant. The student also queried about the Apgar score; in newborns, a low Apgar score at 5 minutes could indicate the need for medical intervention to stabilize heart rate and respiration, which are the most critical aspects of the Apgar evaluation.