What condition puts preterm babies at risk for respiratory distress syndrome?

• A. Decreased oxygen levels
• B. Increased blood volume
• C. Decreased surfactant in alveoli
• D. Increased airway resistance

Answer: (C)

Preterm babies are particularly vulnerable to respiratory distress syndrome due to the decreased levels of surfactant in the alveoli. Surfactant is a substance that reduces surface tension in the lungs, allowing the alveoli to remain open and facilitating effective gas exchange. In premature infants, the lungs may not have developed sufficiently to produce adequate amounts of surfactant, leading to alveolar collapse and impaired breathing. This condition results in respiratory distress syndrome, characterized by difficulty breathing, low oxygen levels, and an increased effort needed to ventilate the lungs.

Understanding the role of surfactant is critical in recognizing the challenges faced by preterm infants, as it underscores the importance of lung maturity and the need for medical interventions that can help support breathing in these vulnerable patients.