A premature infant with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)receives artificial surfactant.Which is true with regard to surfactant therapy?
A) Surfactant improves the ability of the baby's lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
B) The drug keeps the baby from requiring too much sedation.
C) Surfactant is used to reduce episodes of periodic apnea.
D) The baby needs this medication to fight a possible respiratory tract infection.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Surfactant can be administered as an adjunct to oxygen and ventilation therapy.With administration of artificial surfactant,respiratory compliance is improved until the infant can generate enough surfactant on his or her own.Surfactant has no bearing on the sedation needs of the infant.Surfactant is used to improve respiratory compliance,including the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.The goal of surfactant therapy in an infant with RDS is to stimulate production of surfactant in the type 2 cells of the alveoli.The clinical presentation of RDS and neonatal pneumonia may be similar.The infant may be started on broad-spectrum antibiotics to treat infection.

A Premature Infant with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)receives Artificial Surfactant