North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

What condition is characterized by delayed absorption of fetal lung fluid in newborns?

1. Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn

2. Pneumonia

3. Pneumothorax

4. Gestational hypertension

The correct answer is: Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn

The condition characterized by delayed absorption of fetal lung fluid in newborns is Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN). This condition occurs when there is an excess of fluid in the lungs that has not been sufficiently cleared after birth, which typically happens in full-term and near-term infants. Instead of rapidly absorbing the fetal lung fluid, the newborn may experience respiratory distress due to the retained fluid, leading to rapid breathing or tachypnea. TTN is commonly seen in babies who are born via cesarean section without prior labor, as the hormonal changes during labor help to clear that fluid from the lungs. Symptoms generally include rapid breathing, grunting, and retractions. While the situation is usually self-limiting and resolves within a few days, understanding this condition is crucial for midwives and healthcare providers to monitor respiratory function in newborns effectively. In contrast to TTN, pneumonia is an infection that typically presents with more severe respiratory symptoms and a longer course of treatment. Pneumothorax refers to air in the pleural space leading to lung collapse, and gestational hypertension is unrelated to respiratory issues in newborns, focusing instead on maternal blood pressure complications during pregnancy.