Question

A neonate is born at 32 weeks' gestation and is prescribed surfactant therapy. Which route should the nurse expect the surfactant to be administered?

A. IV
B. SQ
C. IM
D. ENDOTRACHEAL

Answer 1

The surfactant therapy is typically administered via the endotracheal route in a neonate born at 32 weeks' gestation to improve lung function.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should expect surfactant therapy to be administered via the endotracheal route in a neonate born at 32 weeks' gestation. Endotracheal administration involves delivering the surfactant directly into the baby's trachea through a tube. This is the most common and effective route for surfactant administration in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

Pulmonary surfactant is a substance produced by specialized cells in the lungs called type II cells. It helps reduce the surface tension of the alveoli, preventing them from collapsing during exhalation and facilitating proper lung inflation. Preterm infants often have insufficient levels of surfactant, leading to respiratory distress. Administering surfactant via the endotracheal route helps supplement the baby's natural surfactant and improve lung function.

Other routes, such as intravenous (IV), subcutaneous (SQ), or intramuscular (IM), are not commonly used for surfactant administration due to limited effectiveness or potential risks associated with these routes.