A 32 year old pregnant woman presented to the hospital with preterm labor. She delivered a premature infant at 27 weeks (normal gestation is 37-42 weeks). Immediately after delivery the infant cried then began to grunt and showed signs of hypoxia despite being administered supplemental oxygen. The baby was immediately intubated by endotracheal tube and given surfactant via the tube. The baby's hypoxia resolved and her condition stabilized. She was transferred to neonatal intensive care for further stabilization.
Considering what you know about the respiratory system, answer the following questions pertaining to the above case:
1. Did the age of the infant have any bearing on her condition at birth?
2. What is the role of surfactant in the lungs?
3. Considering the condition of the infant, do you expect an increase of decrease in lung compliance?
4. Where is the major site of airway resistance?
5. How would stimulation of the sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system affect airway resistance?
A 32 year old pregnant woman presented to the hospital with preterm labor. She delivered a premature infant at 27 weeks (normal gestation is 37-42 weeks). Immediately after delivery the infant cried then began to grunt and showed signs of hypoxia despite being administered supplemental oxygen. The baby was immediately intubated by endotracheal tube and given surfactant via the tube. The baby's hypoxia resolved and her condition stabilized. She was transferred to neonatal intensive care for further stabilization.
Considering what you know about the respiratory system, answer the following questions pertaining to the above case:
1. Did the age of the infant have any bearing on her condition at birth?
2. What is the role of surfactant in the lungs?
3. Considering the condition of the infant, do you expect an increase of decrease in lung compliance?
4. Where is the major site of airway resistance?
5. How would stimulation of the sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system affect airway resistance?
