Midwifery Practice Questions Related

Review Midwifery Practice Questions related questions and content

Respiratory distress syndrome is caused by:

  • A. Poor quality of surfactant
  • B. Inadequate surfactant levels
  • C. Rib cage underdevelopment
  • D. Gradual alveolar rupture
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inadequate surfactant levels. Surfactant is a substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing their collapse. In respiratory distress syndrome, premature infants have insufficient surfactant production, leading to collapsed alveoli and difficulty breathing. Choice A is incorrect because it focuses on quality rather than quantity of surfactant. Choice C is incorrect as rib cage underdevelopment is associated with congenital conditions like thoracic dystrophy, not RDS. Choice D is incorrect as gradual alveolar rupture is not a known cause of RDS.