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Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) occurs in babies born early (premature) whose lungs are not fully developed. The earlier the infant is born, the more likely it is for them to have RDS and need extra oxygen and help breathing. RDS is caused by the baby not having enough surfactant in the lungs. Surfactant is a liquid made in the lungs at about 26 weeks of pregnancy. As the fetus grows, the lungs make more surfactant. Surfactant coats the tiny air sacs in the lungs and to help keep them from collapsing (Picture 1). The air sacs must be open to allow oxygen to enter the blood from the lungs and carbon dioxide to be released from the blood into the lungs. While RDS is most common in babies born early, other newborns can get it. Those at greater risk are:
Signs and SymptomsBabies who have RDS may show these signs:
DiagnosisThe diagnosis is made after examining the baby and seeing the results of chest X-rays and blood tests. TreatmentOxygen - Babies with RDS need extra oxygen. It may be given several ways:
Surfactant - Surfactant can be given into the baby’s lungs to replace what they do not have. This is given directly down the breathing tube that was placed in the windpipe. Intravenous (IV) catheter treatments - A very small tube called a catheter, is placed into one or two of the blood vessels in the umbilical cord. This is how the infant gets IV fluids, nutrition and medicines. It is also used to take blood samples. Medicines - Sometimes antibiotics are given if an infection is suspected. Calming medicines may be given to help ease pain during treatment. Warning
What to ExpectThe road to recovery is different for each infant. Often RDS gets worse before it gets better. Some babies need more oxygen than others. Some may require a treatment of surfactant. As the baby is able to breathe better, they may need less oxygen and other help to breathe. How to Know if Your Infant is Getting BetterHere are some signs that your baby is getting better. They will:
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) Newborn (PDF) HH-I-267 ©2011, Revised 2022, Nationwide Children’s Hospital What are some nursing interventions for respiratory distress in the newborn?Interventions used to treat NRDS include administration of exogenous surfactant, oxygen therapy, and mechanical ventilation. It is important to note that infants with NRDS should not receive bottle or gavage feedings, as these may increase their respiratory rate and risk of aspiration.
What is the nursing intervention for respiratory distress?Maintain open and patent airway with use of positioning, airway adjuncts and secretion clearance. Position to minimize the risk of aspiration, ventilation-perfusion mismatch and breathlessness. Minimize oxygen consumption and demand; limit activity, reduce fever and utilize breathing techniques.
What is management of respiratory distress syndrome?Treatment of ARDS is supportive and includes mechanical ventilation, prophylaxis for stress ulcers and venous thromboembolism, nutritional support, and treatment of the underlying injury. Low tidal volume and high positive end-expiratory pressure improve outcomes.
What interventions would be implemented to address respiratory distress?How Is ARDS Treated?. Ventilator support. All patients with ARDS will require extra oxygen. ... . Prone positioning. ARDS patients are typically in bed on their back. ... . Sedation and medications to prevent movement. ... . Fluid management. ... . Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) ... . For More Information:. |