Assessment and Management of Newborn Complications Quizlet Related

Review Assessment and Management of Newborn Complications Quizlet related questions and content

A premature infant with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) receives artificial surfactant. How does the nurse explain surfactant therapy to the parents?

  • A. The drug keeps your infant from requiring too much sedation.
  • B. Surfactant improves the ability of your infant’s lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
  • C. Surfactant is used to reduce episodes of periodic tachycardia.
  • D. Your infant needs this medication to fight a possible respiratory tract infection.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because artificial surfactant improves the ability of the infant's lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. Surfactant reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing collapse and helping with gas exchange. This explanation directly relates to the purpose of surfactant therapy in treating RDS. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the mechanism or purpose of surfactant therapy. Choice A is incorrect as surfactant does not affect sedation needs, choice C is incorrect as surfactant is not used to address tachycardia, and choice D is incorrect as surfactant is not used to treat respiratory tract infections.