👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team🕐 Updated 2026-07-11🏷️ Physiological Adaptation🔖 Free to read, print, and share
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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Respiratory Distress Syndrome (newborn) on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!
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Mech
Key facts
↓ surfactant → alveoli collapse
Preterm <34wk = highest risk
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Signs
What to look for
Tachypnea, grunting, nasal flaring
Retractions, cyanosis, ↓ O2 sat
Apnea → respiratory failure
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Do
Nursing actions
Antenatal steroids (betamethasone) → lungs
Surfactant via ETT, CPAP/vent
Maintain warmth, O2, nutrition
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Report
Notify / act now
Worsening cyanosis, apnea spells
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Quick Tip
Surfactant lowers alveolar surface tension; without it alveoli collapse on expiration (atelectasis).