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Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in Premature BabiesWhat is respiratory distress syndrome in premature babies?What is respiratory distress syndrome in premature babies? Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a common problem in premature babies. It causes babies to need extra oxygen and help with breathing. The course of illness with RDS depends on:
RDS typically gets worse over the first 2 to 3 days. It then gets better with treatment. What causes RDS in premature babies?RDS occurs when there is not enough surfactant in the lungs. Surfactant is a liquid made by the lungs that keeps the airways (alveoli) open. This liquid makes it possible for babies to breathe in air after delivery. An unborn baby starts to make surfactant at about 26 weeks of pregnancy. If a baby is premature (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy), he or she may not have made enough surfactant yet. When there is not enough surfactant, the tiny alveoli collapse with each breath. As the alveoli collapse, damaged cells collect in the airways. They further affect breathing. The baby has to work harder and harder to breathe trying to reinflate the collapsed airways. As the baby's lung function gets worse, the baby takes in less oxygen. More carbon dioxide builds up in the blood. This can lead to increased acid in the blood (acidosis). This condition can affect other body organs. Without treatment, the baby becomes exhausted trying to breathe and over time gives up. A ventilator must do the work of breathing instead. Which premature babies are at risk for RDS?RDS occurs most often in babies born before the 28th week of pregnancy. Some premature babies get RDS severe enough to need a breathing machine (ventilator). The more premature the baby, the higher the risk and the more severe the RDS. Most babies with RDS are premature. But other things can raise the risk of getting the disease. These include:
What are the symptoms of RDS in premature babies?These are the most common symptoms of RDS:
The symptoms of RDS usually get worse by the third day. When a baby gets better, he or she needs less oxygen and mechanical help to breathe. The symptoms of RDS may look like other health conditions. How is RDS in premature babies diagnosed?RDS is usually diagnosed by a combination of these:
How is RDS in premature babies treated?Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. Treatment for RDS may include:
What are possible complications of RDS in premature babies?Babies sometimes have complications from RDS treatment. As with any disease, more severe cases often have greater risks for complications. Some complications of RDS include:
How can RDS in premature babies be prevented?Preventing a premature birth is the main way to prevent RDS. When a premature birth can’t be prevented, you may be given corticosteroids before delivery. These medicines may greatly lower the risk and severity of RDS in the baby. These steroids are often given between 24 and 34 weeks of pregnancy to women at risk of early delivery. They may sometimes be given up to 37 weeks. But if the delivery is very quick or unexpected, there may not be time to give the steroids. Or they may not have a chance to start working. Key points about RDS in premature babiesRespiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a common problem in premature babies. It can cause babies to need extra oxygen and help with breathing. RDS occurs most often in babies born before the 28th week of pregnancy and can be a problem for babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. RDS typically gets worse over the first 2 to 3 days. It then gets better with treatment. Treatment may include extra oxygen, surfactant replacement, and medicines. Preventing a premature birth is the main way to prevent RDS. Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:
When caring for a newborn The nurse must be alert for signs of cold stress include what quizlet?Additional signs of cold stress include increased activity level, crying, BMR, and heat production. Hypoglycemia occurs as glucose stores are depleted. Newborns are unable to shiver as a means to increase heat production; they increase their activity level instead. The hematocrit for a newborn is 72%.
Which finding is indicative of hypothermia in a newborn?Keep in mind the following signs when evaluating an infant for hypothermia: Bright red skin. Cold skin. Low levels of energy.
Which infant behavior would the nurse recognize as indicating respiratory distress?Signs of respiratory distress can include nasal flaring, intercostal or subcostal retractions (in-drawing of tissue between the ribs or below the rib cage), or grunting with respirations.
What symptoms assessed in the newborn shortly after delivery should be reported?The Apgar score is assigned in the first few minutes after birth to help identify babies that have difficulty breathing or have a problem that needs further care. The baby is checked at one minute and five minutes after birth for heart and respiratory rates, muscle tone, reflexes, and color.
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