A premature infant with respiratory distress syndrome receives artificial surfactant. How would the nurse explain surfactant therapy to the parents?
“Surfactant improves the ability of your baby’s lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.”.
“The drug keeps your baby from requiring too much sedation.”.
“Surfactant is used to reduce episodes of periodic apnea.”.
“Your baby needs this medication to fight a possible respiratory tract infection.”.
The Correct Answer is A
choice A. Surfactant improves the ability of your baby’s lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Surfactant is a substance that coats the inner surface of the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs.
It reduces the surface tension of the alveoli and prevents them from collapsing during exhalation.
Premature infants often lack enough surfactant, which leads to respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).
Artificial surfactant is given to these infants to help them breathe more easily. Choice B is wrong because surfactant has nothing to do with sedation.
Sedation is a state of reduced consciousness induced by drugs. Surfactant does not affect the level of consciousness of the infant.
Choice C is wrong because surfactant is not used to reduce episodes of periodic apnea.
Periodic apnea is a condition where the infant stops breathing for a short time, usually due to immature brainstem function.
Surfactant does not affect the brainstem or the control of breathing.
Choice D is wrong because surfactant is not used to fight a possible respiratory tract infection. Surfactant does not have any antibacterial or antiviral properties.
Surfactant is used to treat RDS, which is caused by a lack of surfactant, not by an infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is because self-monitoring of blood glucose allows children to learn how their blood sugar levels change in response to different factors such as food, exercise, stress, and medication.
It also helps them to adjust their insulin doses and dietary intake accordingly. Self-monitoring of blood glucose can improve glycemic control and reduce the risk of complications.
Choice A is wrong because it is not a less expensive method of testing.
Self-monitoring of blood glucose requires a glucose meter, test strips, lancets, and a logbook, which can be costly for some families.
Choice B is wrong because it is not less accurate than laboratory testing.
Self-monitoring of blood glucose can provide accurate and reliable results if done correctly and regularly.
Laboratory testing is usually done periodically to measure the average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months (hemoglobin A1c).
Choice D is wrong because it implies that the parents are not involved in the child’s diabetes management.
Parents should still provide support and guidance to their children with diabetes, especially when they are young or newly diagnosed. Parents should also monitor their child’s blood glucose levels and help them with insulin administration if needed.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Children with asthma who are taking long-term inhaled steroids should be assessed frequently to monitor for this increased risk because some studies have shown a growth delay in children treated with moderate to high doses of inhaled steroids. This appears to occur only during the first year of treatment and may be reversible.
Choice A is wrong because cough is not a side effect of inhaled steroids, but a symptom of asthma itself.
Choice B is wrong because osteoporosis is not a common side effect of inhaled steroids in children, but a possible risk for adults who use high doses of inhaled steroids or oral steroids.
Choice D is wrong because Cushing’s syndrome is not a side effect of inhaled steroids, but a rare complication of oral steroids.
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