**Question:** The premature baby is:

A. Underdeveloped
B. Underweight
C. At risk for respiratory distress syndrome
D. At risk for sepsis

**Core Concept:** Premature birth refers to the delivery of a baby before the full-term, typically before 37 completed weeks of gestation. Premature babies are at increased risk due to their immaturity, which impacts various physiological systems.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Premature babies, particularly those born before 34 weeks, are at a higher risk for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). RDS occurs due to the immaturity of the lungs, which are not fully developed, leading to difficulties in gas exchange and surfactant production. Surfactant is essential for maintaining proper lung function in premature infants, as it prevents alveoli from collapsing.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

A. Underdeveloped: While premature babies are indeed underdeveloped, this statement is too broad and does not specifically address the increased risks associated with premature birth.

B. Underweight: Being underweight is not a unique characteristic of premature babies; many other factors contribute to low birth weight, such as maternal malnutrition or maternal diseases.

C. At risk for respiratory distress syndrome: This is the correct answer as premature babies are indeed at risk for RDS due to their immature lungs, leading to difficulties in gas exchange and surfactant production.

**Clinical Pearl:** Premature infants require special care and monitoring due to their increased risks of complications. Caregivers often use positive pressure ventilation, surfactant replacement therapy, and oxygen supplementation to manage RDS in premature babies.

**Correct Answer:** C. At risk for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)