Question

A preterm infant with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) has blood drawn for an arterial blood gas analysis. Which test result should the nurse anticipate for this infant?

a. Increased Po 2
b. Lowered HCO 3
c. Decreased Pco 2
d. Decreased blood pH

Answer 1

The nurse should anticipate a decreased blood pH for the preterm infant with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should anticipate a decreased blood pH for the preterm infant with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

RDS results from insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant, which prevents the lungs from inflating properly at birth. Consequently, dyspnea occurs and gas exchange cannot be performed effectively. Blood oxygen levels are low, whereas blood carbon dioxide levels and pH are high.