A nurse is assessing a pre-term newborn who was born at 28 weeks of gestation.

Which of the following findings indicates a possible diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)?

A. Referral to community services for support.

Referral to community services for support is an important part of the discharge plan for a client in preterm labor.Community services can provide education, counseling, home visits, and other resources to help the client cope with preterm labor and prevent complications.

B. Encouragement to smoke in moderation.Statement is wrong because smoking is harmful for the unborn baby and can increase the risk of preterm labor.Smoking should be avoided completely during pregnancy and the client should be advised to quit or seek help to quit.

C. Instructions for heavy lifting and strenuous exercise.Statement is wrong because heavy lifting and strenuous exercise can trigger contractions and worsen preterm labor.The client should be instructed to rest as much as possible and avoid activities that may cause uterine irritation or bleeding.

D. Recommendation to avoid kangaroo care.Statement is wrong because kangaroo care, or skin-to-skin contact with the baby, is beneficial for both the mother and the baby after birth.Kangaroo care can help regulate the baby’s temperature, heart rate, breathing, and blood sugar levels, as well as promote bonding, breastfeeding, and infection prevention.The client should be encouraged to practice kangaroo care as soon as possible after delivery.

Leukocoria (white pupils) is a symptom of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), an eye disease that can happen in premature babies.ROP happens when abnormal blood vessels grow on the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of the eye.

Choice B is wrong because strabismus (crossed eyes) is not a symptom of ROP, but a possible complication that can occur later in life.

Choice C is wrong because nystagmus (involuntary eye movements) is not a symptom of ROP, but another possible complication that can occur later in life.

Choice D is wrong because it includes choices B and C, which are incorrect.

Normal ranges for gestational age and birth weight are 38 to 42 weeks and 5.5 to 10 pounds, respectively.Babies born before 31 weeks or weighing less than 3 pounds are at risk for ROP.