Thick Meconium-stained Liquor in Pediatrics — Case | Pediatric Respiratory | SMLE Q#16853
SMLE Question #16853
Pediatrics
Pediatric Respiratory
Objective: OBJ-273
Last updated: February 2026
A 6-hour-old term male newborn was delivered by emergency cesarean section for recurrent late decelerations with thick meconium-stained liquor. He was hypotonic and bradycardic at birth and required intubation, mechanical ventilation, and inotropic support. Over the next hours, he develops worsening hypoxemia despite high inspired oxygen; right-hand oxygen saturation remains higher than foot saturation. Chest radiograph shows bilateral coarse infiltrates without pneumothorax. Echocardiography is pending. What is the most appropriate next step in management?
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