Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 81%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
Infant with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) experiencing dyspneaAn infant is experiencing dyspnea related to patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The nurse understands dyspnea occurs because blood
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B because in patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), the ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth, leading to a continuous flow of blood from the aorta to the pulmonary artery. This results in increased blood volume in the pulmonary circulation, causing pulmonary circulatory congestion. This congestion leads to increased pressure in the pulmonary vasculature, resulting in dyspnea due to impaired gas exchange in the lungs.
Choice A is incorrect because blood shunted past the pulmonary circulation would actually lead to decreased oxygenation of blood, not pulmonary hypoxia. Choice C is incorrect as it describes the normal fetal circulation pattern and not the pathophysiology of PDA. Choice D is incorrect as shunting past cardiac arteries would not result in dyspnea but rather in myocardial ischemia.
Choice A is incorrect because blood shunted past the pulmonary circulation would actually lead to decreased oxygenation of blood, not pulmonary hypoxia. Choice C is incorrect as it describes the normal fetal circulation pattern and not the pathophysiology of PDA. Choice D is incorrect as shunting past cardiac arteries would not result in dyspnea but rather in myocardial ischemia.