A male infant born at 30-weeks gestation at an outlying hospital is being prepared for transport to a Level IV neonatal facility. His respirations are 90/min, and his heart rate is 150 beats per minute. Which drug is the transport team most likely to administer to this infant?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Beractant (Survanta) 100 mg/kg per endotracheal tube. In this scenario, the infant's high respiratory rate indicates respiratory distress, likely due to immature lungs. Beractant is a pulmonary surfactant used to treat respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants by improving lung function and reducing the risk of complications. Administering beractant via endotracheal tube helps deliver the medication directly to the lungs.
Choice A (Ampicillin) is an antibiotic used for treating infections, not respiratory distress. Choice B (Gentamicin) is an antibiotic for infections, not respiratory distress. Choice C (Digoxin) is a cardiac medication for heart conditions, not respiratory distress. Therefore, only choice D addresses the respiratory distress issue in the preterm infant, making it the most appropriate drug for the transport team to administer in this case.