Surfactant Agents in Respiratory Therapy

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to surfactant agents in respiratory therapy, focusing on their definitions, clinical applications, and principles.

Surfactant

A surface-active agent that reduces surface tension in liquids.

Surface Tension

Force caused by attraction between like molecules at liquid-gas interfaces.

Exogenous Surfactant

Surfactant agents administered to replace missing pulmonary surfactant, particularly in respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

Clinical Indications for RDS

Usage includes prophylactic and rescue treatment for newborns at risk of or with evidence of RDS.

Beractant (Survanta)

A modified natural surfactant used to treat or prevent RDS, indicated for infants weighing less than 1250 grams.

Calfactant (Infasurf)

A modified natural surfactant indicated for RDS prevention in high-risk premature infants.

Poractant (Curosurf)

A natural surfactant used for treating RDS in premature infants and other respiratory issues.

Laplace's Law

Describes the relationship between surface tension, drop or bubble size, and pressure.

Administration of Surfactants

Typically involves instilling the agent into the trachea through a catheter, positioned appropriately during dosing.

Hazards of Surfactant Therapy

Potential risks include airway occlusion, desaturation, apnea, and pulmonary hemorrhage.