A newborn with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is prescribed artificial surfactant therapy.
The parents express concern and ask the nurse about the purpose of this treatment.
How should the nurse best explain the use of artificial surfactant in the management of RDS to the parents?
Surfactant is used to reduce episodes of periodic apnea.
Surfactant improves the ability of your baby's lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Your baby needs this medication to reduce fever and inflammation in the lungs.
It prevents your baby from experiencing discomfort during breathing.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
While RDS can be associated with apnea and bradycardia, the primary physiological problem is lung immaturity and lack of surfactant, leading to alveolar collapse and poor gas exchange. Surfactant's main role is to reduce surface tension within the alveoli, not primarily to manage periodic apnea, although improved lung function can indirectly reduce apneic episodes.
Choice B rationale
Artificial surfactant is a phospholipid-protein mixture administered directly into the lungs to lower the surface tension at the air-liquid interface within the alveoli. This reduction prevents alveolar collapse upon exhalation, thereby increasing the functional residual capacity (FRC) and improving the efficiency of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange, which is the core physiological goal.
Choice C rationale
Surfactant is not an antipyretic or anti-inflammatory medication; its function is purely biophysical within the pulmonary system. RDS is primarily a developmental deficiency, not an infectious or strictly inflammatory process, although inflammation can occur as a secondary complication. The focus is on restoring lung mechanics.
Choice D rationale
While effective breathing is less uncomfortable, the primary mechanism of surfactant is physiological, not purely analgesic. The reduction of surface tension and subsequent stabilization of the alveoli directly addresses the underlying pathology of RDS, allowing the baby to breathe more efficiently and reducing the work of breathing, thus relieving discomfort secondarily. —.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"G,D,I"},"B":{"answers":"C,E,F"},"C":{"answers":"A,B,H"}}
Explanation
The correct answer is:. Rubra: Lasts from day 1-3 postpartum, Dark red color, Fleshy odor. Serosa: Serosanguineous consistency, Pinkish/brown color, Lasts from day 4-10 postpartum. Alba: Consists of mucus and leukocytes, Yellowish/white color, Lasts from day 10-8 weeks postpartum. .
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While postpartum women are at risk for infection, particularly endometritis or urinary tract infection (UTI), the described symptoms are not primarily suggestive of an established infection. Excessive urination (diuresis) is a normal physiological process in the puerperium, not a sign of infection. A complete blood count and urine specimen would be indicated if the patient had signs like fever (normal range 97.8-100.4°F), foul-smelling lochia, or dysuria, which are absent here.
Choice B rationale
General anesthesia can cause temporary bladder atony, leading to urinary retention, not diuresis. However, most women who deliver vaginally do not receive general anesthesia, and while regional anesthesia (e.g., epidural) can affect bladder sensation, the return of sensation would not immediately cause "urinating so much.”. Diuresis is primarily driven by fluid volume and hormonal changes, not solely by the wearing off of anesthesia.
Choice C rationale
Diuresis, defined as increased or excessive production of urine, is a normal and expected physiologic process beginning within 12 hours postpartum. It serves to eliminate the significant amount of extracellular fluid (up to 3000 mL) accumulated during pregnancy, not a sign of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). PPH is indicated by heavy, excessive bleeding, boggy fundus, and often signs of hypovolemic shock.
Choice D rationale
This response is correct because postpartum diuresis is a natural physiological process caused by the reduction in plasma volume and the elimination of 2,000-3,000 mL of accumulated extracellular fluid. The decrease in pregnancy hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, and the excretion of retained sodium and water help return the maternal fluid balance to its non-pregnant state, resulting in increased urination. —.
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