Respiratory Management Flashcards

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is most likely to occur in which infant?

Answer: Post-term or term infant with fetal distress

MAS occurs when a stressed term or post-term fetus passes meconium in utero and aspirates it, causing chemical pneumonitis and airway obstruction.

What is the correct PEEP range typically used for a neonate with RDS on conventional ventilation?

Answer: 4-6 cm H2O

A PEEP of 4-6 cm H2O maintains functional residual capacity and prevents alveolar collapse between breaths in neonates with RDS.

Which chest X-ray finding is classic for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in a premature neonate?

Answer: Diffuse ground-glass appearance with air bronchograms

RDS classically shows a diffuse ground-glass opacity with air bronchograms due to atelectasis from surfactant deficiency.

A neonate receiving CPAP has a sudden increase in FiO2 requirement and bradycardia. The nurse notes muffled heart sounds. What should be suspected?

Answer: Tension pneumothorax

Muffled heart sounds, sudden oxygen deterioration, and bradycardia in a CPAP patient are classic signs of tension pneumothorax requiring emergent decompression.

Which oxygen saturation target range is recommended for preterm infants less than 35 weeks gestation in the US?

Answer: 91-95%

The recommended SpO2 target for preterm infants <35 weeks is 91-95% to balance risks of retinopathy of prematurity and hypoxic injury.

Which of the following is the most appropriate intervention for a neonate with a confirmed choanal atresia causing respiratory distress?

Answer: Place an oral airway and prepare for surgical repair

Choanal atresia causes respiratory distress because neonates are obligate nasal breathers; an oral airway bypasses the obstruction until surgical repair.