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What is the most likely cause of respiratory distress syndrome in a term macrosomic newborn whose mother has poorly controlled type 2 diabetes?

A.

Increased deposits of fat in the chest and shoulder area.

B.

Hyperinsulinemia.

C.

Brachial plexus injury.

D.

Increased blood viscosity.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale
Increased deposits of fat in the chest and shoulder area are not typically associated with respiratory distress syndrome in a term macrosomic newborn whose mother has poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.
Choice B rationale
Hyperinsulinemia is a condition in which there are excess levels of insulin circulating in the blood. In the case of a term macrosomic newborn whose mother has poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, the baby’s pancreas may produce extra insulin in response to the mother’s high blood glucose levels. This excess insulin can delay surfactant production, which is needed for lung maturation, leading to respiratory distress syndrome.
Choice C rationale
Brachial plexus injury is a type of birth injury that can occur due to the baby’s large size and difficulty being born. However, it is not the most likely cause of respiratory distress syndrome in a term macrosomic newborn whose mother has poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.
Choice D rationale
 

Increased blood viscosity can occur in newborns of mothers with poorly controlled diabetes due to polycythemia (an abnormally high number of red blood cells). However, this is not the most likely cause of respiratory distress syndrome in a term macrosomic newborn.
 


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Hypomagnesemia is not typically a primary concern for newborns of mothers with diabetes mellitus. While it can occur in newborns, it is not directly related to macrosomia or maternal diabetes.
Choice B rationale
Hypocalcemia can occur in newborns, especially preterm infants, infants of diabetic mothers, and those with perinatal asphyxia. However, it is not the primary concern in this scenario.
Choice C rationale
Hyperbilirubinemia can occur in newborns for a variety of reasons, including prematurity, blood group incompatibility, and other factors. While infants of diabetic mothers may have an increased risk of jaundice, it is not the primary concern in this scenario.
Choice D rationale
Hypoglycemia is the correct answer. Infants of diabetic mothers are at risk for hypoglycemia after birth. During pregnancy, the fetus produces extra insulin in response to the mother’s high blood glucose levels. After birth, the newborn continues to produce extra insulin for a short time until it adjusts to normal glucose-insulin balance. This can lead to hypoglycemia, which is a primary concern and requires immediate attention.

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