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)?

All of the above.

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a condition that affects preterm newborns who have immature lungs and lack sufficient surfactant.

Surfactant is a substance that helps keep the alveoli open and prevents them from collapsing.

Without enough surfactant, the newborn has difficulty breathing and may develop hypoxia and acidosis.

Choice A is wrong because tachypnea and grunting are signs of respiratory distress, but they are not specific to RDS.

They can also be caused by other conditions such as transient tachypnea of the newborn, pneumonia, or congenital heart defects.

Choice B is wrong because bradycardia and cyanosis are also signs of respiratory distress, but they are not specific to RDS.

They can also be caused by other conditions such as hypothermia, hypoglycemia, or sepsis.

Choice C is wrong because apnea and nasal flaring are also signs of respiratory distress, but they are not specific to RDS.

They can also be caused by other conditions such as intracranial ...

Pre-term newborns are at risk of apnea of prematurity, which is a pause in breathing for more than 20 seconds or less than 20 seconds with bradycardia or cyanosis.An apnea monitor can detect and alert the parents of any episodes of apnea and help them intervene promptly.

Choice A is wrong because breastfeeding is beneficial for pre-term newborns and can provide them with antibodies, nutrients, and bonding with the mother.Breastfeeding should be encouraged as soon as the newborn is medically stable and able to suck and swallow.

Choice C is wrong because keeping the newborn in a warm environment at all times can lead to overheating, dehydration, and increased metabolic rate.Pre-term newborns have difficulty regulating their body temperature and need to be dressed appropriately for the ambient temperature.They should also be monitored for signs of cold stress or heat stress.

Choice D is wrong because delaying immunizations until the newborn reaches term gestation can expose the newborn to preventable infections that ...