A preterm infant is most likely to develop respiratory distress because of
A)bacterial pneumonia.
B)a deficiency of surfactant.
C)excess mucus in the upper airways.
D)an inability of the immature diaphragm to contract.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Preterm infants often have an underdeveloped lung system, including a deficiency of surfactant. Surfactant is important for preventing the collapse of alveoli during expiration, so without enough surfactant, the infant may struggle to breathe and develop respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Other potential causes of respiratory distress in preterm infants include infections such as bacterial pneumonia, but these are less common than RDS. Excess mucus and an immature diaphragm are not typically significant causes of respiratory distress in preterm infants.

A Preterm Infant Is Most Likely to Develop Respiratory Distress