Question

Which obstetrical client is most likely to have an infant with respiratory distress syndrome?

A 28-year-old with a history of alcohol use during the pregnancy
A 24-year-old with a history of diabetes mellitus
A 30-year-old with a history of smoking during the pregnancy
A 32-year-old with a history of pregnancy-induced hypertension

Answer 1

The 30-year-old obstetrical client who has a history of smoking during pregnancy is most likely to have an infant with respiratory distress syndrome.

Step-by-step explanation:

The obstetrical client who is most likely to have an infant with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is the 30-year-old with a history of smoking during pregnancy. RDS primarily occurs in infants born prematurely, and smoking during pregnancy is a risk factor for premature birth. Up to 50 percent of infants born between 26 and 28 weeks develop RDS due to insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant, which prevents proper lung inflation at birth.