Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

In neonates, tachypnea is primarily associated with which condition?

1. Apnea of prematurity

2. Congenital heart disease

3. Respiratory distress syndrome

4. Infection

The correct answer is: Congenital heart disease

Tachypnea in neonates is most commonly associated with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), particularly in premature infants. RDS is characterized by inadequate surfactant production in the lungs, which leads to poor lung expansion and subsequent rapid, shallow breathing as the neonate attempts to maintain adequate oxygenation. The primary physiological response is an increase in respiratory rate (tachypnea) in an effort to compensate for the compromised gas exchange due to the underdeveloped alveoli. While apnea of prematurity can cause intermittent pauses in breathing, it does not typically present with persistent tachypnea. Congenital heart disease may lead to signs of respiratory distress, but tachypnea is not the primary respiratory symptom associated with it. In cases of infection, tachypnea can occur, but it is usually in conjunction with other systemic symptoms rather than being a primary feature. Thus, respiratory distress syndrome is the most direct and immediate association with tachypnea in neonates, particularly under the circumstances of prematurity.