A nurse in the newborn nursery is monitoring a preterm newborn infant for respiratory distress syndrome. Which assessment signs if noted in the newborn infant would alert the nurse to the possibility of this syndrome?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), also known as hyaline membrane disease, is a condition commonly seen in preterm newborn infants. The two classic signs of RDS are tachypnea (rapid breathing) and retractions. Tachypnea is defined as a respiratory rate greater than 60 breaths per minute in newborn infants. Retractions refer to visible indrawing of the chest wall with each breath, indicating increased work of breathing. These signs are indicative of the infant's struggle to breathe and can suggest the presence of RDS. While acrocyanosis (bluish discoloration of the extremities) and grunting may also be present in infants with RDS, tachypnea and retractions are more specific indicators of respiratory distress. Hypotension and bradycardia are not common signs of RDS. The presence of a barrel chest with grunting is not specific