What is the significance of administering surfactant in certain neonatal cases?

What is the significance of administering surfactant in certain neonatal cases?

• A. It helps to improve lung function in neonates with respiratory distress syndrome
• B. It prevents infections during transport
• C. It reduces the risk of hypothermia
• D. It enhances nutritional absorption

Answer: (A)

Administering surfactant in neonatal cases is primarily significant for improving lung function in infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). RDS is commonly seen in premature infants due to the immature development of the lungs, which leads to inadequate production of surfactant—a substance that reduces surface tension within the alveoli. When surfactant is administered, it helps to stabilize the alveoli, preventing their collapse during exhalation and allowing for better gas exchange. This intervention can dramatically improve oxygenation and reduce the work of breathing, ultimately improving the overall respiratory function of the neonate. Other choices do address important aspects of neonatal care but do not pertain directly to the main action and benefit of surfactant therapy. For example, while preventing infections is crucial during transport, surfactant does not play a role in infection prevention. Similarly, hypothermia management and nutritional absorption are important considerations in neonatal care, but they are not related to the effects of surfactant administration. Thus, surfactant's primary role is specific to enhancing lung function, particularly in the context of RDS.

Administering surfactant in neonatal cases is primarily significant for improving lung function in infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). RDS is commonly seen in premature infants due to the immature development of the lungs, which leads to inadequate production of surfactant—a substance that reduces surface tension within the alveoli. When surfactant is administered, it helps to stabilize the alveoli, preventing their collapse during exhalation and allowing for better gas exchange. This intervention can dramatically improve oxygenation and reduce the work of breathing, ultimately improving the overall respiratory function of the neonate.

Other choices do address important aspects of neonatal care but do not pertain directly to the main action and benefit of surfactant therapy. For example, while preventing infections is crucial during transport, surfactant does not play a role in infection prevention. Similarly, hypothermia management and nutritional absorption are important considerations in neonatal care, but they are not related to the effects of surfactant administration. Thus, surfactant's primary role is specific to enhancing lung function, particularly in the context of RDS.