A nurse is collecting data from a newborn who has respiratory distress syndrome and is experiencing respiratory acidosis. Which of the following risk factors predisposes the newborn to respiratory difficulties?

Choice A reason:

Moro is a newborn reflex that occurs when the baby is startled by a loud sound or movement. The baby will cry, throw back his or her head, and then pull his or her limbs into the body. This reflex lasts until the baby is about 2 months old.

Choice B reason:

Rooting is a newborn reflex that starts when the corner of the baby's mouth is stroked or touched. The baby will turn his or her head and open his or her mouth to follow and root in the direction of the stroking. This helps the baby find the breast or bottle to start feeding. This reflex lasts about 4 months.

Choice C reason:

Gag is a newborn reflex that prevents the baby from choking on foreign objects. The baby will cough, gag or spit out anything that touches the back of the throat or the roof of the mouth. This reflex is present throughout life.

Choice D reason:

Running is not a newborn reflex. It is a voluntary movement that develops later in childhood. Choice E reason:

Babinski is a newborn reflex that occurs when the sole of the foot is stroked from heel to toe. The baby will fan out and curl up the toes and twist the foot inward. This reflex lasts until the baby is about 12 months old.

Choice F reason:

Stepping is a newborn reflex that occurs when the baby is held upright with his or her feet touching a solid surface. The baby will appear to take steps or dance. This reflex lasts about 2 months.

Choice G reason:

The crawling reflex is a developmental milestone observed in infants around 6-8 months of age. It involves the baby moving on their hands and knees, often starting with a belly-crawling motion. Unlike newborn reflexes, this skill is learned and requires muscle coordination and strength.

Choice H reason:

Standing with support is a developmental milestone typically achieved by infants around 9-12 months. In this skill, the baby pulls themselves up to a standing position while holding onto furniture or a caregiver’s hands. It is a learned behavior reflecting increased muscle strength and balance, distinct from newborn reflexes.

Choice I reason:

The pincer grasp is a fine motor skill that usually develops between 8-12 months. It involves the baby using the thumb and index finger to pick up small objects. This ability is not a reflex but a learned skill that demonstrates improved hand-eye coordination and dexterity.

Choice A reason:

Small for gestational age (SGA) newborns are at risk for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and respiratory acidosis because they have immature lungs that produce less surfactant, which is needed to keep the alveoli open and prevent atelectasis. SGA newborns also have less glycogen stores, which can lead to hypoglycemia and impaired oxygen delivery to the tissues.

Choice B reason:

Maternal history of asthma is not a risk factor for RDS or respiratory acidosis in the newborn. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways that affects the mother, not the fetus. Maternal asthma can cause complications such as preterm labor, preeclampsia, or intrauterine growth restriction, but it does not directly affect the fetal lung development or function.

Choice C reason:

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a congenital heart defect that causes a hole in the wall between the ventricles of the heart. This can result in increased pulmonary blood flow and pressure, which can lead to pulmonary edema and heart failure in the newborn. However, VSD does not cause RDS or respiratory acidosis, which are related to lung maturity and surfactant production.

Choice D reason:

Cesarean birth is not a risk factor for RDS or respiratory acidosis in the newborn. Cesarean birth can increase the risk of transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), which is caused by delayed absorption of fetal lung fluid. TTN usually resolves within 24 to 48 hours and does not cause a significant acid-base imbalance in the newborn.