What deficiency causes a preterm infant respiratory distress syndrome?

A. Enlarged fontanelle: An enlarged fontanelle refers to an abnormally large soft spot on the newborn’s skull, which may indicate increased intracranial pressure or delayed bone closure. It does not describe a localized scalp swelling limited by suture lines.

B. Cephalohematoma: Cephalohematoma is a collection of blood between the periosteum and the skull bone that is confined by suture lines. It typically develops a few hours to days after birth and does not cross sutures.

C. Caput succedaneum: Caput succedaneum is generalized edema of the scalp that crosses suture lines. It is often present at birth due to pressure during delivery and resolves within a few days.

D. Molding: Molding refers to the shaping of the newborn’s skull during passage through the birth canal, resulting in overlapping of the cranial bones. It is temporary and affects the shape of the head rather than presenting as a localized swelling.

A. Oxytocin: Oxytocin is used to stimulate uterine contractions and induce labor, but it does not affect fetal lung development or accelerate lung maturity. Its role is limited to labor management rather than promoting fetal organ maturation.

B. Magnesium sulfate: Magnesium sulfate is primarily administered for neuroprotection in preterm infants and to prevent seizures in mothers with preeclampsia. It does not directly accelerate fetal lung maturity.

C. Prostaglandins: Prostaglandins are used to ripen the cervix or induce labor, but they do not influence fetal lung development. Their function is limited to promoting labor rather than enhancing fetal organ maturation.

D. Corticosteroids: Administration of corticosteroids, such as betamethasone or dexamethasone, stimulates fetal surfactant production and accelerates lung maturation. This reduces the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants.