Following an easy pregnancy, a newborn is delivered vaginally at 38 weeks gestation. The neonate is in respiratory distress immediately after birth. A physical examination reveals cyanosis, tachypnea, and poor perfusion. The patient is intubated as soon as possible, and mechanical ventilation is started. In addition, a nasogastric tube is placed. Auscultation reveals asymmetric aeration with diminished left-sided breath sounds. The abdomen has a scaphoid shape. The display includes a chest x-ray. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's respiratory distress?

Question

Following an easy pregnancy, a newborn is delivered vaginally at 38 weeks gestation. The neonate is in respiratory distress immediately after birth. A physical examination reveals cyanosis, tachypnea, and poor perfusion. The patient is intubated as soon as possible, and mechanical ventilation is started. In addition, a nasogastric tube is placed. Auscultation reveals asymmetric aeration with diminished left-sided breath sounds. The abdomen has a scaphoid shape. The display includes a chest x-ray.   Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's respiratory distress?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (abdominal contents herniating into the thorax) causes pulmonary hypoplasia due to lung compression. Shortly after delivery, neonates exhibit respiratory distress. X-ray observations include thoracic bowel loops and the distal end of a feeding line within the thorax.

Following an Easy Pregnancy, a Newborn Is Delivered Vaginally at 38