RRT Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care Flashcards

What is the hallmark chest X-ray finding in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)?

Answer: Diffuse ground-glass opacity with air bronchograms

RDS presents with bilateral diffuse ground-glass opacification and air bronchograms on CXR due to widespread microatelectasis from surfactant deficiency.

Which pediatric airway emergency presents with a 'steeple sign' on anteroposterior neck X-ray?

Answer: Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis)

Croup causes subglottic narrowing visible on AP neck X-ray as a 'steeple sign' due to subglottic edema from viral infection (usually parainfluenza).

What flow rate is typically used with a simple pediatric oxygen mask to prevent CO2 rebreathing?

Answer: 6–10 L/min

Pediatric simple face masks require a minimum of 6 L/min to flush exhaled CO2 from the mask and prevent rebreathing.

In a neonate, which blood gas finding is most consistent with persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN)?

Answer: Severe hypoxemia that responds poorly to 100% FiO2

PPHN causes right-to-left shunting through fetal channels; hypoxemia is refractory to oxygen because blood bypasses the lungs entirely.

What is the primary risk factor for developing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) from a respiratory therapy perspective?

Answer: Exposure to excessive supplemental oxygen (hyperoxia)

Hyperoxia causes retinal vasoconstriction and abnormal vessel proliferation in premature neonates whose retinal vasculature is incompletely developed.

Which neonatal resuscitation intervention is performed when the heart rate remains below 60 bpm despite adequate ventilation?

Answer: Begin chest compressions at a 3:1 compression-to-ventilation ratio

NRP guidelines direct initiating chest compressions at a 3:1 ratio with ventilations when HR <60 despite 30 seconds of effective positive pressure ventilation.