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TOPIC: CARE OF MOTHER AND CHILD AT RISK OR WITH PROBEMS
RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME
RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME
In providing care for mother and child at risk, respiratory distress syndrome often affects the newborn child. This condition happens when a baby have less surfactant levels – a fluid that keeps the alveoli from collapsing. The production of surfactant in an unborn child occurs at 26 weeks therefore, premature babies are most likely to develop RDS due to insufficient surfactant in the lungs.
HOW DOES RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME OCCURS?
HOW DOES RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME OCCURS?
There are some factors behind developing this condition:
Premature Birth – infants that are born before 37 weeks.
Multiple Gestation – due to late development of lung and production of surfactant.
Genetics – may cause increase chance of developing respiratory distress syndrome.
HOW CAN WE TELL THAT A NEWBORN HAVE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME?
HOW CAN WE TELL THAT A NEWBORN HAVE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME?
An infant with respiratory distress syndrome have obvious sign of difficulty in breathing. Here are the initial signs:
Low body temperature
Nasal flaring
Sternal and subcostal retractions
Tachypnea
Cyanotic mucous membrane
If the newborn’s distress increases, they may exhibit:
Pale gray skin
Apnea periods
Bradycardia
Pneumothorax
Seesaw respirations
WHAT ARE THE DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES FOR RDS?
WHAT ARE THE DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES FOR RDS?
Chest x-rays of lungs
Echocardiography
Blood gas test
WHAT ARE THE MEDICAL MANAGEMENT FOR NEONATES WITH RDS?
WHAT ARE THE MEDICAL MANAGEMENT FOR NEONATES WITH RDS?
Surfactant Replacement – Administer 4ml/kg intratracheally; in the first 48 hours of life, four doses. This therapy helps their lungs to mature.
Respiratory Support – Oxygen administration or Ventilation.
Nitric Oxide therapy – mostly given through inhalation of nitric oxide to improve oxygenation in infants.
Supportive Care:
Warm the infant
Provide hydration and nutrition via IV fluids or gavage feeding.
REFERENCES/SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS
REFERENCES/SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS
Google Sites
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