Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Question 1

What is neonatal respiratory distress syndrome?

Answer 1

This is a lack of surfactant causing respiratory distress in neonates

Question 2

Which kind of babies is neonatal respiratory distress syndrome most common in?

Answer 2

Premature - they have not had enough time to produce adequate amounts of surfactant

Question 3

What is surfactant and its function?

Answer 3

This is a substance that lines the lungs, lowers the surface tension and prevents collapse

Question 4

What stimulates the secretion of Surfactant?

Answer 4

Steroids

Question 5

What is it called when areas of the lungs collapse/do not inflate properly?

Answer 5

Atelectasis

Question 6

Symptoms of Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome?

Answer 6

Tachypnoea
Cyanosis
Chest Recession
Nasal Flaring
Expiratory Grunt

Question 7

Prevention of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome?

Answer 7

Steroids given to expectant mothers

Question 8

What is Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome?

Answer 8

This is severe infection or inflammation of the lungs that causes a lack of oxygen provided to the body

Question 9

Name one group of mothers that can have babies with respiratory distress syndrome?

Answer 9

Diabetics

Question 10

Treatment of Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome?

Answer 10

Ventilation and Extra Oxygen

Artificial Surfactant

Question 11

What causes ARDS?

Answer 11

Inflammation and infection of the lungs

• Pneumonia
• Sepsis
• Chest Infection
• Acute Pancreatitis

Question 12

Symptoms of ARDS?

Answer 12

Shortness of breath
Rapid, Shallow breathing
Tiredness
Feeling faint

Question 13

Investigations of ARDS?

Answer 13

Physical Examination
FBC
Pulse Oximetry
CXR

Question 14

Treatment of ARDS?

Answer 14

ICU - Ventilation

Treat underlying cause

Question 15

Complications of ARDS?

Answer 15

Death

Lung Damage