A client is concerned about their newborn's risk for respiratory distress.
The nurse explains that the highest risk for respiratory distress is seen in:.
Preterm infants.
Macrosomic babies.
Post-term infants
Newborns with hyperbilirubinemia.
The Correct Answer is A
Preterm infants are at the highest risk for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), a common breathing disorder that affects newborns. RDS occurs because of a lack of surfactant, a foamy substance that keeps the lungs fully expanded. Surfactant is usually produced by the lungs during the third trimester of pregnancy, which starts after the 26th week. Therefore, babies born before their due date, especially before 28 weeks of pregnancy, are more likely to have RDS.
Choice B is wrong because macrosomic babies, or babies who are larger than average at birth, are not at increased risk for RDS.
However, they may have other complications such as birth injuries or low blood sugar levels.
Choice C is wrong because post-term infants, or babies who are born after 42 weeks of pregnancy, are not at increased risk for RDS.
However, they may have other complications such as meconium aspiration or low blood sugar levels.
Choice D is wrong because newborns with hyperbilirubinemia, or high levels of bilirubin in the blood, are not at increased risk for RDS.
However, they may have other complications such as jaundice or brain damage.
Other risk factors for RDS include being a white male, having multiple fetuses, having a mother with diabetes, and having premature rupture of membranes (PROM).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Preterm infants are at the highest risk for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), a common breathing disorder that affects newborns.RDS occurs because of a lack of surfactant, a foamy substance that keeps the lungs fully expanded.Surfactant is usually produced by the lungs during the third trimester of pregnancy, which starts after the 26th week.Therefore, babies born before their due date, especially before 28 weeks of pregnancy, are more likely to have RDS.
Choice B is wrong because macrosomic babies, or babies who are larger than average at birth, are not at increased risk for RDS.
However, they may have other complications such as birth injuries or low blood sugar levels.
Choice C is wrong because post-term infants, or babies who are born after 42 weeks of pregnancy, are not at increased risk for RDS.
However, they may have other complications such as meconium aspiration or low blood sugar levels.
Choice D is wrong because newborns with hyperbilirubinemia, or high levels of bilirubin in the blood, are not at increased risk for RDS.
However, they may have other complications such as jaundice or brain damage.
Other risk factors for RDS include being a white male, having multiple fetuses, having a mother with diabetes, and having premature rupture of membranes (PROM).
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This presentation is consistent with a newborn who has been in the womb for longer than 42 weeks.Post-term newborns often have dry, peeling, loose skin and may appear abnormally thin.They may also have overgrown nails and large amount of hair on the head.
Choice A is wrong because preterm birth is associated with low birth weight, immature skin, and lanugo (fine hair) on the body.
Choice B is wrong because macrosomia is a condition where the newborn is significantly larger than average, usually due to maternal diabetes or obesity.
Choice C is wrong because hyperbilirubinemia is a condition where the newborn has high levels of bilirubin in the blood, causing jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
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