Respiratory Distress in Newborn

Respiratory problem are often the case in newborns. It accounts for nearly half of neonatal deaths. Research by Kumar & Bhat (1996, p.93) states that Respiratory Depression (RD) is a common neonatal problem that generally occurs in preterm infants due to surfactant deficiency which relates to antenatal history of immature lung development and term infants of diabetic mothers. To describe some of the common diagnosis associated with RD are: Transient Tachypnea of the newborn (TTNB) was found to be common in both term and preterm babies. Hyaline membrane disease (HMD) was common among pre terms, and meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) among term and post-term babies. Fatality for RD was found to be 19%, being highest for HMD (57.1%), followed by MAS (21.8%) and infection (15.6%). Therefore, it is crucial to recognise the signs of RD and ensure prompt treatment is rendered to minimize mortality and mobility in newborns at the delivery wards.
Accurate physical assessment is done on the newborn on the first and fifth minute at birth to determine if the newborn is getting enough oxygen. By administering APGAR scoring - based on each of the components that are assessed in the APGAR scoring are : Cardiovascular (heart rate, color of the skin), fetal respiratory (quality of breathing and neuromuscular function (tone and reflexes based on fetal tone and response to external stimuli). According to Apgar cited in Letko(1996, p.299) the leading concerns was the ability to rapidly identify newborns requiring resuscitative measures in improving the prognosis. It is done to prevent respiratory depressed newborns from being incorrectly assessed, while minimizing delivery of oxygen and other unnecessary treatment to healthy newborns. Giacoia stated in Letko (1996, p. 300) indicates that a low APGAR score implies an abnormal condition in the newborn, but it does not suggest a specific etiology. Hypotonia in newborn with neuromuscular disorder, for example, may be

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