How is surfactant administered for IRDS/HMD?

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Multiple Choice

How is surfactant administered for IRDS/HMD?

Surfactant replacement is given directly into the lungs through the endotracheal tube in small portions to ensure the drug reaches the alveoli. After each portion, the infant is briefly ventilated to help distribute the surfactant, and the baby is repositioned to improve coverage of all lung areas. This approach directly coats the alveoli, reducing surface tension and improving lung compliance. Nebulized delivery isn’t standard because achieving even deposition in the distal airways is challenging and requires special equipment; IV infusion won’t deliver surfactant to the alveolar surface, and oral administration won’t reach the lungs at all.

Surfactant replacement is given directly into the lungs through the endotracheal tube in small portions to ensure the drug reaches the alveoli. After each portion, the infant is briefly ventilated to help distribute the surfactant, and the baby is repositioned to improve coverage of all lung areas. This approach directly coats the alveoli, reducing surface tension and improving lung compliance.

Nebulized delivery isn’t standard because achieving even deposition in the distal airways is challenging and requires special equipment; IV infusion won’t deliver surfactant to the alveolar surface, and oral administration won’t reach the lungs at all.

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