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Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) occurs in babies born early (premature) whose lungs are not fully developed. The earlier the infant is born, the more likely it is for them to have RDS and need extra oxygen and help breathing. RDS is caused by the baby not having enough surfactant in the lungs. Surfactant is a liquid made in the lungs at about 26 weeks of pregnancy. As the fetus grows, the lungs make more surfactant. Surfactant coats the tiny air sacs in the lungs and to help keep them from collapsing (Picture 1). The air sacs must be open to allow oxygen to enter the blood from the lungs and carbon dioxide to be released from the blood into the lungs. While RDS is most common in babies born early, other newborns can get it. Those at greater risk are:
Signs and SymptomsBabies who have RDS may show these signs:
DiagnosisThe diagnosis is made after examining the baby and seeing the results of chest X-rays and blood tests. TreatmentOxygen - Babies with RDS need extra oxygen. It may be given several ways:
Surfactant - Surfactant can be given into the baby’s lungs to replace what they do not have. This is given directly down the breathing tube that was placed in the windpipe. Intravenous (IV) catheter treatments - A very small tube called a catheter, is placed into one or two of the blood vessels in the umbilical cord. This is how the infant gets IV fluids, nutrition and medicines. It is also used to take blood samples. Medicines - Sometimes antibiotics are given if an infection is suspected. Calming medicines may be given to help ease pain during treatment. Warning
What to ExpectThe road to recovery is different for each infant. Often RDS gets worse before it gets better. Some babies need more oxygen than others. Some may require a treatment of surfactant. As the baby is able to breathe better, they may need less oxygen and other help to breathe. How to Know if Your Infant is Getting BetterHere are some signs that your baby is getting better. They will:
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) Newborn (PDF) HH-I-267 ©2011, Revised 2022, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Which of the following are signs of cold stress in a newborn quizlet?Signs of cold stress include decreased skin temperature, increased respiratory rate with periods of apnea, bradycardia, mottling of skin, and lethargy.
Which are consequences of cold stress the nurse may observe in a newborn infant?Cold stress results in severe metabolic and physiological problems. Oxygen consumption and calorie expenditure occur in the newborn's attempt to produce heat. If this is prolonged it can impair growth.
What should the nurse be aware of with regard to the respiratory development of the newborn quizlet?With regard to the respiratory development of the newborn, nurses should be aware that: The first gasping breath is an exaggerated respiratory reaction within 1 minute of birth. Newborns must expel the fluid at uterine life from the respiratory system within a few minutes of birth.
Which infant behavior would the nurse recognize as indicating respiratory distress?In a normal infant respiration, the chest and abdomen synchronously rise and infant breaths are shallow and irregular. Breathing with nasal flaring is a sign of respiratory distress. Diaphragmatic breathing with chest retraction is also a sign of respiratory distress.
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