Hyaline Membrane Syndrome Essay

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) commonly known as hyaline membrane syndrome occurs in many premature births. As the gestational age for a baby decreases subsequently the likelihood of them having this condition will increase because their lungs are severely underdeveloped. The problems that stem from RDS include lack of surfactant, smaller alveolar surface span, elevated compliance of the small airways, and occasionally the ductus arteriosis might be a factor if it doesn’t close shortly after birth. A clinician will notice upon arrival to stabilize the patient that the infant will be tachypneic, retracting (abdominal and/or sternal), have inconsistent respirations, grunting, and might also exhibit nasal flaring. The first test that should be ordered is a chest x-ray. This is the main way that RDS is commonly diagnosed. The chest x-ray will most likely show a reticulogranular arrangement because some respiratory bronchioles are being aerated and at the same time some alveoli are caving in or flattening. RDS patients will benefit most from Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or the administration of Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). The airway of an RDS patient needs to be stinted open with a positive pressure device in order for them to improve clinically. If the patient’s medical picture continues to deteriorate then …show more content…
This is the product of meconium (intestinal material which turns into newborn stool) being aspirated into the larger lung passages. Meconium is usually not a problem because it is excreted after delivery. However, these patients are depressed or asphyxiated in utero which will cause premature discharge. This sequence causes air trapping which causes volutrauma. Also, lung tissue is severely irritated from MAS and causes a pneumonitis. These patients also usually present with pulmonary hypertension from right to left