RN Exam Practice
Physiological AdaptationQuestion 1167 of 2368

Why is a preterm newborn at increased risk for impaired gas exchange?

  1. Excess respiratory mucus blocks the small airways.
  2. A rigid larynx limits the airflow into the lungs.
  3. An overly wide trachea allows air to leak from the airway.
  4. Insufficient surfactant increases the risk of alveolar collapse.
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Correct answer: Insufficient surfactant increases the risk of alveolar collapse.

Surfactant lowers surface tension in the alveoli. Newborns, especially preterm ones, may lack enough of it.

Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Childhood Respiratory Disorders: Pediatric Differences in Anatomy. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026