A Preterm Infant is Most Likely to Develop Respiratory Distress

Question

A preterm infant is most likely to develop respiratory distress because of
A) bacterial pneumonia.
B) a deficiency of surfactant.
C) excess mucus in the upper airways.
D) an inability of the immature diaphragm to contract.

Accepted Answer

Preterm infants may not have fully developed their lungs and may not produce enough surfactant, a substance that helps keep the lungs expanded. This can lead to respiratory distress syndrome, a condition in which the infant has difficulty breathing and may require mechanical ventilation.