Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

What assessment should be prioritized when caring for an infant with suspected respiratory distress?

1. Heart rate

2. Oxygen saturation

3. Temperature

4. Blood pressure

The correct answer is: Oxygen saturation

Prioritizing oxygen saturation in an infant with suspected respiratory distress is essential because it directly reflects the effectiveness of oxygen exchange in the lungs. Respiratory distress can lead to hypoxemia, where the levels of oxygen in the blood drop, and monitoring oxygen saturation allows for timely identification of this potentially life-threatening condition. In cases of respiratory distress, it is crucial to assess how well the infant is oxygenating, as low oxygen saturation may require immediate interventions such as supplemental oxygen or respiratory support. By continuously monitoring oxygen levels, healthcare providers can make informed decisions about the need for immediate care to manage the infant's respiratory needs effectively. While heart rate, temperature, and blood pressure are important parameters in the overall assessment of a patient, they do not directly indicate the immediate adequacy of respiratory function as oxygen saturation does. Thus, in the context of respiratory distress, oxygen saturation emerges as the primary concern.