Lung Surfactant for Newborns
Included In This Lesson
Study Tools For Lung Surfactant for Newborns
Outline
Overview
- Given to premature newborns or sometimes term babies if in respiratory distress
- Keeps lungs open and prevents collapse
Nursing Points
General
- Lung surfactant makes it easier for lungs to expand fully
- This helps O2 to get into the alveoli and therefore into blood/circulation easier
- Given via intubation (ETT) of newborn
Assessment
- Signs of respiratory distress
- After administration→ Improved work of breathing and improvement on oxygen saturation
Therapeutic Management
- Assist provider with intubation
- Secure tube
- Administer medication
- Assess ABG
- Monitor EKG and oxygen levels
- Assess vitals
- Bradycardia and hypoxia can occur during administration
Nursing Concepts
- Pharmacology
- Oxygenation
Patient Education
- What is is used for
- What is expected from it
**DISCLAIMER – In the lesson, the video states that lung surfactant is located in the pleural space, which is incorrect. The correct information is that lung surfactant is made in type II alveolar cells in the alveoli. Both surfactant and pleural fluid work to decrease surface tension.
Pharmacology for Nursing (MedMaster)
The Pharmacology Course is a one-stop-shop for all things medication related! We’ll talk you through how to be successful in pharmacology and how to be safe when administering meds. We break down the most common and most important medication classes into easy-to-understand sections. We even walk you through how to conquer the often intimidating med math and drug calculations! When you finish this course you’ll be able to confidently and safely administer medications to your patients!