MEDizzy - A newborn diagnosed with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)

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A newborn diagnosed with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is prescribed surfactant replacement therapy. The nurse evaluates the infant 1 hour after the therapy and determines that the infant’s condition has improved somewhat. Which finding indicates improvement?

ExplanationRDS causes hypoperfusion with hypoxemia that results in tissue hypoxia and metabolic acidosis. If the arterial blood pH increases to ≥7.35, the metabolic acidosis is resolving and the newborn’s condition is improving. Within a few hours, respiratory distress becomes more obvious in RDS. The respiratory rate continues to increase (to 80 to 120 breaths/min), so a gradual increase in rate does not mean that the condition is improving. Also, an audible respiratory grunt and fine inspiratory crackles heard over both lungs are not signs the condition is improving.