Respiratory distress syndrome is caused by:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inadequate surfactant levels. Surfactant is a substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing their collapse. In respiratory distress syndrome, premature infants have insufficient surfactant production, leading to collapsed alveoli and difficulty breathing. Choice A is incorrect because it focuses on quality rather than quantity of surfactant. Choice C is incorrect as rib cage underdevelopment is associated with congenital conditions like thoracic dystrophy, not RDS. Choice D is incorrect as gradual alveolar rupture is not a known cause of RDS.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The Kleihauer-Betke acid-elution test is recommended in the management of hemolytic jaundice prenatally because it helps determine the amount of fetal-maternal hemorrhage, which is crucial for assessing the need for Rh immune globulin administration to prevent Rh sensitization in Rh-negative mothers carrying Rh-positive fetuses. This test helps quantify the amount of fetal red blood cells in the maternal circulation, guiding appropriate management to prevent hemolytic disease of the newborn. The other choices (A, C, D) do not specifically require the Kleihauer-Betke test for management and are not directly related to fetal-maternal hemorrhage assessment.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: All neonates need vitamin K for activation of thrombokinase. Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of clotting factors in the liver, including thrombokinase, which plays a crucial role in blood clotting. In neonates, there is a deficiency of vitamin K due to limited transfer across the placenta and low levels in breast milk. Administering vitamin K at birth helps prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because vitamin K does not directly impact immunity, prevent jaundice, or promote normal gut bacteria growth in neonates.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B (500-1500 gm) because very low birth weight babies typically weigh less than 1500 grams at birth. This range encompasses the common weight range for these babies. Option A (1000-500 gm) is too narrow and excludes babies weighing below 500 grams. Option C (1001-1500 gm) is incorrect as it includes babies weighing over 1500 grams. Option D (1500-2000 gm) is incorrect as it includes babies above the typical weight range for very low birth weight babies.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice C is correct: 1. Hyperthermia neonatorum refers to elevated body temperature in newborns. 2. The ed rosy appearance on the face is a common symptom of hyperthermia due to increased blood flow to the skin. 3. Greatly reduced eliminations can be a sign of dehydration associated with hyperthermia. 4. The other choices (hypothermia, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia) do not align with the symptoms described.