Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 91%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
Infant with transposition of the great vessels receiving prostaglandin EThe nurse administered prostaglandin E to an infant with transposition of the great vessels. The nurse expects which effect to occur from the medication?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B: Ductus arteriosus remains open. Prostaglandin E helps keep the ductus arteriosus open in infants with transposition of the great vessels, improving mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. Choice A is incorrect because the ductus venosus is a fetal vessel that closes shortly after birth. Choice C is incorrect as deoxygenated blood mixing is necessary in this condition. Choice D is incorrect because closing the ductus arteriosus would worsen oxygenation in this case.