Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Flashcards
Meconium is present in the fetal bowel as early as
10 weeks of gestation
If hypoxia occurs,
Vagus reflex is stimulated resulting in relaxation of the rectal sphincter
Meconium can cause severe respiratory distress such as
Tachypnea, retractions, and grunting
An infant may aspirate meconium either in
Utero or with the first breath at birth
Can be used to dilute the amount of meconium in the amniotic fluid
Amnioinfusion
If deeply stained amoniotic fluid is identified during labor,
The newborn may be scheduled for cesarean birth
May be prescribed to forestall the development of pneumonia as a secondary problem
Antibiotic therapy
If lung compliance is poor
Surfactant may be administered
If lung noncompliance continues
High inspiratory pressure is necessary
May be helpful to encourage the removal of remnants of meconium from the lungs
Chest physiotherapy with percussion and vibration
Newborns born in this position may expel meconium into the amniotic fluid from pressure on the buttocks
Newborns born in breech position
The appearance of the amniotic fluid at birth due to staining is
green to greenish black
air in the chest cavity
Pneumomediastinum
