Respiratory Distress Syndrome

By Dr. Nahed Al- Nagger

Learning Objectives • Define RDS or HMD.

• List the causes of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS).

• State the predisposing factors.• Discuss pathophysiology of hyaline

membrane disease (HMD).

Learning Objectives• Identify the clinical manifestations of

different disease stages.• Describe the therapeutic

management of RDS.• Design plan of care for baby with

RDS.

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (Hyaline Membrane Disease)

Causes:  Immature development of the

respiratory system or inadequate amount of surfactant in the lungs.

RDS is the leading cause of respiratory failure in preterm neonates. It is more common in males than females.

Predisposing Factors:

Premature infant. Asphyxia at birth. Infant of diabetic mothers. Cesarean Section delivery. Previous history of hyaline

membrane disease (HMD) in sibling. Multiple pregnancies.

Pathophysiology of HMD:

• During intrauterine life, the alveoli are collapsed. Crying of the neonate at birth creates enough negative pressure to open the collapsed alveoli. Alveoli do not collapse at expiration because of the presence of lipoprotein material called surfactant which decreases the surface tension inside the alveoli, thus preventing their collapse during expiration.

Path physiology of HMD:

If surfactant is deficient, the alveoli cannot be easily distended during inspiration which leads to respiratory distress and hypoxemia.

Assessment Criteria of RDS:

Clinical Manifestations:• Tachypnea (80 to 120 breaths/min).

• Dyspnea.• Substernal retraction.

• Fine inspiratory crackles.• Audible expiratory grunt.

• Flaring of the nares.• Cyanosis or pallor.

As the disease progress:

Flaccidity.Unresponsiveness

Apnea.Diminished breath sounds

Silverman-Anderson Score-assess respiratory status only-

Severe RDS is associated with

Shock like state.Diminished cardiac output

and bradycardia.Low systemic blood

pressure.

Diagnostic Tests:• Chest x-ray shows congested lung

field with a ground- glass appearance that represents alveolar

atelectasis, and dark streaks.

• Respiratory and metabolic acidosis is determined by blood gas

analysis.

Therapeutic Management

• *Maintain adequate ventilation and oxygenation.

*Oxygen should be warmed and humidified

*Maintain a neutral thermal environment

Therapeutic Management

Maintain acid-base balance by correct respiratory acidosis through assisted ventilation and correct metabolic acidosis by IV administration of sodium bicarbonate.

Maintain adequate hydration and

electrolytes level. Nutrition is provided by parenteral

therapy during the acute stage. Surfactant therapy installed in

trachea.

• Nipple and gavage feeding are contraindicated in any situation

that creates a marked increase in respiratory rate because of the greater hazards of aspiration.

Nursing ManagementNursing Diagnoses:

• Infective breathing pattern related to surfactant deficiency, alveolar instability, and pulmonary immaturity.

• Impaired gas exchange related to immature• alveolar structure and inability to maintain

lung expansion.

Nursing Diagnoses:

• Ineffective airway clearance related to obstruction or inappropriate positioning of endotracheal tube.

• Risk for injury related to acid-base imbalance, oxygen levels, carbon dioxide levels from mechanical ventilation.

Planning

The goals of nursing management are the same as for any high- risk neonate with special emphasis on respiratory needs to:

Facilitate respiratory effort, maintain air exchange and oxygenation.

- Prevent complications.

Implementation

Nursing management includes all the nursing skills required for any high-risk neonates.

In addition special skills and observations as: Suctioning is performed only as necessary.

Implementation

Hyperoxygenation and a closed suction system can be used to minimize complication during suction.

Skin inspection and care. Changing position. Mouth care is also important.

Evaluation

• The effectiveness of nursing intervention is determined by continual reassessment and evaluation of care based on:

• Frequent measurement of neonate’s vital

signs.

• Observation of signs and symptoms of respiratory distress syndrome.

Prevention of HMD prevention of premature delivery.

Administration of corticosteroids to the mother (24 hours to 7 days before delivery).

Prophylactic administration of artificial surfactant into trachea of premature neonate.

Prognosis

• RDS is a self- limiting disease if mild, and following a period of

deterioration (approximately 48 hrs) and in the absence of complications,

affected neonates begin to improve by 72 hours.

Prognosis• Neonates who survive the first

96 hours have a reasonable chance of recovery. Surfactant

therapy decreased the use of long term ventilation and

decreased period of stay in hospital. It also improves the

outcome.