You are called to a residence to care for a 3-hour-old infant in respiratory distress. Your physical exam reveals retractions, grunting, and tachypnea, along with rhonchi and crackles in the lungs. The midwife reports that the amniotic fluid had "thin meconium." Which of the following is the most likely cause of this infant's signs and symptoms?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Given the infant's history of thin meconium, along with respiratory distress, retractions, grunting, tachypnea, rhonchi, and crackles, meconium aspiration syndrome is the most likely cause of the infant's symptoms. Meconium aspiration is a serious medical condition that occurs when a fetus passes meconium (the first stool) into the amniotic fluid and subsequently inhales it. This can cause significant respiratory difficulties, inflammation and obstruction of the airways, and even oxygen deprivation. Quick intervention and treatment are crucial to improving outcomes for infants with meconium aspiration.

You Are Called to a Residence to Care for a 3-Hour-Old