Which of the following complications can resuscitation efforts be hampered by in a wet newborn?

Resuscitation efforts can be significantly hampered in a wet newborn due to the inhibition of surfactant production. Surfactant is a crucial substance produced in the lungs that lowers surface tension within the alveoli, preventing their collapse and ensuring adequate gas exchange. In wet newborns, particularly those born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid or in conditions of prenatal asphyxia, surfactant production can be disrupted. This results in decreased lung compliance, making it more challenging to effectively ventilate the newborn during resuscitation efforts.

In addition, the presence of excess fluid can compromise lung function, leading to an inadequate response to resuscitation. The newborn may struggle to establish effective breathing patterns, and the overall oxygenation may be poor, complicating efforts to stabilize the infant. This underscores the critical need for timely and effective management in these situations to ensure the newborn receives the necessary support for respiratory function.