Respiratory distress NB

Question 1

What is respiratory distress in a newborn?

Answer 1

A serious condition requiring immediate medical attention due to various causes.

Question 2

What is Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN)?

Answer 2

A condition often seen in full-term or late-preterm infants, especially those delivered via C-section without labor, caused by retained lung fluid.

Question 3

What is Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)?

Answer 3

Common in premature infants due to surfactant deficiency leading to alveolar collapse.

Question 4

What causes Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS)?

Answer 4

Occurs when the newborn inhales a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid into the lungs before or during delivery.

Question 5

What can lead to pneumonia or infection in newborns?

Answer 5

Can occur in utero or during/after delivery, causing inflammation and fluid accumulation in the lungs.

Question 6

Name two congenital malformations that can cause respiratory distress.

Answer 6

• Diaphragmatic hernia
• Pulmonary hypoplasia

Question 7

What is Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)?

Answer 7

Failure of the normal circulatory transition after birth, leading to blood flow bypassing the lungs.

Question 8

What is tachypnea?

Answer 8

Rapid breathing, typically more than 60 breaths per minute.

Question 9

What does grunting indicate in a newborn?

Answer 9

Low-pitched sounds during exhalation as the infant tries to keep the alveoli open.

Question 10

What is nasal flaring?

Answer 10

Widening of the nostrils during breathing, indicating difficulty breathing.

Question 11

Define retractions in the context of respiratory distress.

Answer 11

Indrawing of the chest wall, particularly around the ribs and sternum, during inspiration.

Question 12

What does cyanosis indicate?

Answer 12

Bluish tint to the skin, lips, or nail beds indicating low oxygen levels.

Question 13

What might lethargy or poor feeding in a newborn suggest?

Answer 13

May indicate more severe or systemic involvement.

Question 14

What are the first steps in the management of respiratory distress?

Answer 14

• Initial assessment and stabilization
• Evaluate airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs)
• Provide warmth and maintain normothermia

Question 15

What is the purpose of oxygen therapy in newborns?

Answer 15

To maintain appropriate oxygen saturation levels.

Question 16

What does Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) do?

Answer 16

Provides mild air pressure to keep the airways open in newborns with milder forms of respiratory distress.

Question 17

When is mechanical ventilation required?

Answer 17

For severe cases where the newborn cannot maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation.

Question 18

What is surfactant replacement therapy used for?

Answer 18

Administered in cases of RDS to reduce surface tension in the lungs and improve breathing.

Question 19

When is antibiotic therapy initiated?

Answer 19

If infection is suspected as a cause of respiratory distress.

Question 20

What does monitoring and support for respiratory distress include?

Answer 20

• Continuous monitoring of vital signs, blood gases, and oxygen saturation
• Supportive care including fluids, nutrition, and thermoregulation

Question 21

What specialized treatments may be required for PPHN?

Answer 21

• Inhaled nitric oxide
• Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in severe cases

Question 22

What is the role of a multidisciplinary team in managing respiratory distress?

Answer 22

Involvement of neonatologists, respiratory therapists, and nursing staff for comprehensive care.

Question 23

Why is parental support and education important in the care of newborns with respiratory distress?

Answer 23

Providing information and support to parents is critical as they navigate the care of their newborn.

Question 24

True or False: Addressing respiratory distress promptly can improve outcomes for newborns.

Answer 24

True