TRANSIENT TACHYPNEA

T. TACHYPNEA OF A NEWBORN

• At birth, a newborn may have a rapid rate of respiration, up to 80 breathes / minute when crying

• Within 1 hour, this rapid rate slows between 30-60 breaths / minute

• The respiratory rate remains at a high level, between 80-120 breathes/ minute.

S/S

• The infant does not appear to be in a great deal of distress, aside from the tiring effort of breathing so rapidly.

• Has mild retractions but not marked cyanosis.

• Mild hypoxia & hypercapnia

• Feeding is difficult because the child cannot suck & breathe deeply at the same time.

• Chest X-ray reveals some fluid in the central lung, but aeration is adequate.

CAUSES

• Result from slow absorption of lung fluid

• Reflect a slight decrease in production of phosphatidyl glycerol or mature surfactant

• These factors limit the amount of alveolar surface area available to the infant for gas exchange

• Thus, the infant must increase the respiratory rate & depth to better use the surface available.

NURSING CARE

• Close observation of the NB is the priority.

• Watch carefully that increased effort in not tiring.

• Watch for beginning signs of a more serious disorder because rapid RR is the first sign of respiratory obstruction.

• Oxygen administration

• Transient Tachypnea of the NB peaks at approximately 36 hours of life & slowly begins to fade at 72 hours as lung fluid is absorbed & respiratory activity becomes effective.