Physiological AdaptationQuestion 1399 of 2368
Which finding would the nurse expect in a preterm newborn with respiratory distress syndrome?
- Grunting during exhalation with nasal flaring
- Slow, deep breathing with a barrel-shaped chest
- Abdominal distention with blood in the stool
- Lip smacking with twitching of one hand
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Correct answer: Grunting during exhalation with nasal flaring
RDS causes rapid, shallow breathing, retractions, nasal flaring, and grunting on exhalation because the alveoli collapse without surfactant.
Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), High-risk Newborn Care: Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026