Question

A multigravida is scheduled for an amniocentesis at 32 weeks gestation to determine the \(\mathrm{L} / \mathrm{S}\) ratio and phosphatidyl glycerol level. The \(L / S\) ratio is 1:1. The nurse's assessment of this data is: A. The infant is at low risk for congenital anomalies. B. The infant is at high risk for intrauterine growth retardation. C. The infant is at high risk for respiratory distress syndrome. D. The infant is at high risk for birth trauma.

Short answer

Answer: The infant is at high risk for respiratory distress syndrome.

Step-by-step solution

Understand L/S ratio and its significance with Gestation age

The L/S ratio, or lecithin-sphingomyelin ratio, is a test performed on the amniotic fluid that helps health care professionals assess the maturity of a fetus's lungs. A higher L/S ratio indicates a lower risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). It's important to note that gestational age is crucial, as an L/S ratio of 1:1 is a different risk level when comparing a 32-week gestation pregnancy to a 40-week gestation pregnancy.

Determine risk level based on the given L/S ratio

In this case, the L/S ratio for the infant is 1:1. This ratio is considered as low, especially at 32 weeks gestation. Lower L/S ratios (less than 2) are associated with an increased risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in newborns.

Choose the correct option based on the analysis

Based on the L/S ratio, we can now determine which of the given options is correct. Given that the L/S ratio is low and thereby increases the risk of RDS in the infant, the correct option is: C. The infant is at high risk for respiratory distress syndrome.