Neonatal patients are more vulnerable to rapid deterioration because of ________________

a. high chest wall compliance
b. low functional residual capacity
c. smaller surface area for gas exchange
d. presence of fetal hemoglobin

ANS: C
Neonatal and pediatric patients have smaller lungs, higher airway resistance, lower lung compli-ance, less surface area for gas exchange, and lower cardiovascular reserve than do adults; all of these factors make them more vulnerable to rapid deterioration. Although neonates have high chest wall compliance, this is not the reason for their vulnerability to rapid deterioration. It is the reason for the presence of retractions when the WOB is elevated.