Surfactant Agents

Question 1

Surfactant Is Produced

Answer 1

Between 26-30 weeks gestation

Question 2

Surfactant Acts

Answer 2

As a lubricant to decrease pulmonary surface tension in alveoli

Question 3

Surfactant Decreases

Answer 3

Pulmonary surface tension aids in alveolar inflation, helps prevent atelectasis, and aids in overall breathing

Question 4

Exogenous Surfactant

Answer 4

Comprised of 85-90% lipids and 10% proteins (A-D)

Question 5

3 Approved Surfactants

Answer 5

• Poractant Alfa (Curosurf)
• Beractant (Survanta)
• Calfactant (Infrasurf)

Question 6

All surfactant agents pose the following risks during administration

Answer 6

• airway occlusion (clogged ETT)
• oxygen desaturation from clogged ETT or saturated alveoli
• bradycardia

Question 7

All surfactant agents pose the following risks after administration

Answer 7

• overxogenation (↑ PO2)
• overventilation
• apnea
• pulmonary hemmorhage
• RT needs to monitor patient’s oxygen and ventilation status post surfactant administration because of rapid and severe changes that can take place