The nurse is caring for a premature infant with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The nurse is preparing to administer surfactant to the infant

Question

By which route would the nurse administer the surfactant to achieve the desired response? The drug would be given a. intravenously to reduce the risk of alveolar collapse.
b. by inhalation to promote bronchodilation of the lungs.
c. intrathecally to prevent hyperventilation.
d. by intratracheal instillation to lower surface tension in the lungs.

Answer 1

D
Surfactant lowers the surface tension forces that cause alveolar collapse and improves oxygena-tion and lung compliance. It is administered by direct intratracheal instillation.
Surfactant cannot be administered intravenously, by inhalation, or intrathecally. In addition, sur-factant does not promote bronchodilation of the lungs or prevent hyperventilation.