NUR 418 Exam 3
A newborn born at 32 weeks gestation is showing signs of respiratory distress, including nasal flaring,
tachypnea, and use of accessory muscles. The healthcare provider suspects Respiratory Distress
Syndrome (RDS). What is the most likely cause of the infant's respiratory distress?
A) Inadequate surfactant production due to immature lung development
B) Inadequate blood circulation to the lungs
C) Excessive surfactant production leading to lung collapse
D) An obstruction in the upper airway causing airway resistance ANS: A) Inadequate surfactant
production due to immature lung development
Which of the following diagnostic findings would be expected in a newborn with Respiratory Distress
Syndrome (RDS)?
A) A reticulogranular pattern resembling "ground glass" on chest X-ray
B) Elevated lecithin-to-sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio
C) High levels of phosphatidylglycerol (PG)
D) Clear lung fields on chest X-ray ANS: A) A reticulogranular pattern resembling "ground glass" on chest
X-ray
Which of the following is a primary risk factor for developing Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in a
newborn?
A) Full-term gestation
B) Low birth weight
C) Premature birth
D) Maternal smoking during pregnancy ANS: C) Premature birth
,Which of the following interventions would be most appropriate for a newborn diagnosed with
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)?
A) Administering supplemental oxygen and surfactant therapy
B) Providing oral feedings to promote lung growth
C) Initiating mechanical ventilation without oxygen support
D) Delaying interventions until the infant is 36 weeks gestation ANS: A) Administering supplemental
oxygen and surfactant therapy
A newborn presents with nasal flaring, tachypnea, retractions, and cyanosis. The healthcare provider
suspects Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). Which of the following lab findings is most likely to be
present in this infant?
A) High levels of phosphatidylglycerol (PG)
B) Lecithin-to-sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio greater than 2:1
C) Elevated pH and normal oxygen levels
D) Low lecithin-to-sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio and low phosphatidylglycerol (PG) levels ANS: D) Low
lecithin-to-sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio and low phosphatidylglycerol (PG) levels
A nurse is educating a group of pregnant women about preterm labor. Which of the following
statements by the nurse is correct regarding the risk of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in preterm
infants?
A) Preterm infants are less likely to develop RDS because they are born with mature lungs.
B) The risk of RDS is higher the earlier the gestation, particularly before 36 weeks.
C) RDS only occurs if the infant is less than 32 weeks gestation.
D) If a preterm infant has a mature L/S ratio, they will not develop RDS. ANS: B) The risk of RDS is higher
the earlier the gestation, particularly before 36 weeks.
,Which of the following physical signs would the nurse most likely observe in a newborn with Respiratory
Distress Syndrome (RDS)?
A) Decreased work of breathing
B) Expiratory grunting and nasal flaring
C) Increased oxygen saturation and normal breath sounds
D) Strong, regular breathing without signs of distress ANS: Answer: B) Expiratory grunting and nasal
flaring
What is the underlying pathophysiology of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants?
A) Overproduction of lung surfactant leads to alveolar collapse
B) Underdeveloped alveolar saccules and lack of surfactant impair lung expansion
C) Excessive oxygen intake causes airway resistance and atelectasis
D) Low blood flow to the lungs causes inadequate oxygenation ANS: Answer: B) Underdeveloped
alveolar saccules and lack of surfactant impair lung expansion
A newborn is diagnosed as Small for Gestational Age (SGA). Which of the following best describes the
characteristics of this condition?
A) The newborn's weight falls below the 50th percentile for gestational age.
B) The newborn's weight is below the 10th percentile for gestational age, indicating intrauterine growth
restriction
C) The newborn's head circumference is smaller than expected, but weight is within normal limits.
D) The newborn's weight is above the 90th percentile for gestational age. ANS: Answer: B) The
newborn's weight is below the 10th percentile for gestational age, indicating intrauterine growth
restriction.
, Which of the following best describes the difference between symmetrical and asymmetrical Small for
Gestational Age (SGA) infants?
A) Symmetrical SGA infants have normal head size but small body weight, while asymmetrical infants
have both small head and body size.
B) Symmetrical SGA infants have both small head and body size, while asymmetrical infants have a large
head with a small body.
C) Symmetrical SGA infants have both small head and body size, while asymmetrical infants have normal
head size and smaller body weight.
D) Symmetrical SGA infants have smaller weight and larger head size than asymmetrical infants. ANS: C)
Symmetrical SGA infants have both small head and body size, while asymmetrical infants have normal
head size and smaller body weight.
A nurse is assessing a newborn with an asymmetrical Small for Gestational Age (SGA) condition. Which
of the following would be most likely observed during the physical assessment?
A) A sunken abdomen, large head, and well-developed body
B) A large head in relation to the body, muscle wasting, and lack of brown fat
C) Excessive body fat, with the head in normal proportion to the body
D) Well-rounded body and no visible signs of malnutrition ANS: Answer: B) A large head in relation to
the body, muscle wasting, and lack of brown fat
Which of the following is a common risk for Small for Gestational Age (SGA) newborns?
A) Hyperglycemia and excessive weight gain
B) Cold stress and temperature instability
C) Increased growth and development
D) Decreased susceptibility to infection ANS: Answer: B) Cold stress and temperature instability
A newborn born at 32 weeks gestation is showing signs of respiratory distress, including nasal flaring,
tachypnea, and use of accessory muscles. The healthcare provider suspects Respiratory Distress
Syndrome (RDS). What is the most likely cause of the infant's respiratory distress?
A) Inadequate surfactant production due to immature lung development
B) Inadequate blood circulation to the lungs
C) Excessive surfactant production leading to lung collapse
D) An obstruction in the upper airway causing airway resistance ANS: A) Inadequate surfactant
production due to immature lung development
Which of the following diagnostic findings would be expected in a newborn with Respiratory Distress
Syndrome (RDS)?
A) A reticulogranular pattern resembling "ground glass" on chest X-ray
B) Elevated lecithin-to-sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio
C) High levels of phosphatidylglycerol (PG)
D) Clear lung fields on chest X-ray ANS: A) A reticulogranular pattern resembling "ground glass" on chest
X-ray
Which of the following is a primary risk factor for developing Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in a
newborn?
A) Full-term gestation
B) Low birth weight
C) Premature birth
D) Maternal smoking during pregnancy ANS: C) Premature birth
,Which of the following interventions would be most appropriate for a newborn diagnosed with
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)?
A) Administering supplemental oxygen and surfactant therapy
B) Providing oral feedings to promote lung growth
C) Initiating mechanical ventilation without oxygen support
D) Delaying interventions until the infant is 36 weeks gestation ANS: A) Administering supplemental
oxygen and surfactant therapy
A newborn presents with nasal flaring, tachypnea, retractions, and cyanosis. The healthcare provider
suspects Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). Which of the following lab findings is most likely to be
present in this infant?
A) High levels of phosphatidylglycerol (PG)
B) Lecithin-to-sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio greater than 2:1
C) Elevated pH and normal oxygen levels
D) Low lecithin-to-sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio and low phosphatidylglycerol (PG) levels ANS: D) Low
lecithin-to-sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio and low phosphatidylglycerol (PG) levels
A nurse is educating a group of pregnant women about preterm labor. Which of the following
statements by the nurse is correct regarding the risk of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in preterm
infants?
A) Preterm infants are less likely to develop RDS because they are born with mature lungs.
B) The risk of RDS is higher the earlier the gestation, particularly before 36 weeks.
C) RDS only occurs if the infant is less than 32 weeks gestation.
D) If a preterm infant has a mature L/S ratio, they will not develop RDS. ANS: B) The risk of RDS is higher
the earlier the gestation, particularly before 36 weeks.
,Which of the following physical signs would the nurse most likely observe in a newborn with Respiratory
Distress Syndrome (RDS)?
A) Decreased work of breathing
B) Expiratory grunting and nasal flaring
C) Increased oxygen saturation and normal breath sounds
D) Strong, regular breathing without signs of distress ANS: Answer: B) Expiratory grunting and nasal
flaring
What is the underlying pathophysiology of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants?
A) Overproduction of lung surfactant leads to alveolar collapse
B) Underdeveloped alveolar saccules and lack of surfactant impair lung expansion
C) Excessive oxygen intake causes airway resistance and atelectasis
D) Low blood flow to the lungs causes inadequate oxygenation ANS: Answer: B) Underdeveloped
alveolar saccules and lack of surfactant impair lung expansion
A newborn is diagnosed as Small for Gestational Age (SGA). Which of the following best describes the
characteristics of this condition?
A) The newborn's weight falls below the 50th percentile for gestational age.
B) The newborn's weight is below the 10th percentile for gestational age, indicating intrauterine growth
restriction
C) The newborn's head circumference is smaller than expected, but weight is within normal limits.
D) The newborn's weight is above the 90th percentile for gestational age. ANS: Answer: B) The
newborn's weight is below the 10th percentile for gestational age, indicating intrauterine growth
restriction.
, Which of the following best describes the difference between symmetrical and asymmetrical Small for
Gestational Age (SGA) infants?
A) Symmetrical SGA infants have normal head size but small body weight, while asymmetrical infants
have both small head and body size.
B) Symmetrical SGA infants have both small head and body size, while asymmetrical infants have a large
head with a small body.
C) Symmetrical SGA infants have both small head and body size, while asymmetrical infants have normal
head size and smaller body weight.
D) Symmetrical SGA infants have smaller weight and larger head size than asymmetrical infants. ANS: C)
Symmetrical SGA infants have both small head and body size, while asymmetrical infants have normal
head size and smaller body weight.
A nurse is assessing a newborn with an asymmetrical Small for Gestational Age (SGA) condition. Which
of the following would be most likely observed during the physical assessment?
A) A sunken abdomen, large head, and well-developed body
B) A large head in relation to the body, muscle wasting, and lack of brown fat
C) Excessive body fat, with the head in normal proportion to the body
D) Well-rounded body and no visible signs of malnutrition ANS: Answer: B) A large head in relation to
the body, muscle wasting, and lack of brown fat
Which of the following is a common risk for Small for Gestational Age (SGA) newborns?
A) Hyperglycemia and excessive weight gain
B) Cold stress and temperature instability
C) Increased growth and development
D) Decreased susceptibility to infection ANS: Answer: B) Cold stress and temperature instability
