Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 73%
Simulated
The nurse is teaching a nursing student about respiratory distress syndrome. Which statement by the student nurse demonstrates understanding?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B. Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) occurs in premature and low-birth-weight babies due to immature lungs that lack sufficient surfactant. Premature babies often have underdeveloped lungs, leading to difficulty breathing. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because RDS is not caused by frequent colds, genetic allergies, or maternal stress during pregnancy. Choice A is inaccurate as RDS is not related to colds; choice C is incorrect as genetic allergies do not cause RDS; and choice D is incorrect as stress during pregnancy does not lead to RDS.