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Part A After you note a murmur in a newborn, the pediatric cardiology consultant diagnoses a patent ductus arteriosus. Why is this a cause for concer Because blood is flowing from the pulmonary trunk into the aorta, the lungs will not receive enough blood for normal oxygenation to occu The higher pressure in the aorta will push extra blood through the ductus arteriosus into the child's pulmonary circulation. The baby may develop a defect in the interventricular septum to compensate for the abnormally patent channel. The child's coronary arteries will receive too much blood from the pulmonary trunk.

Ask by Savage Vega. in the United States
Jan 22,2025

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The higher pressure in the aorta pushes extra blood through the patent ductus arteriosus into the child's lungs, causing increased blood flow and potential heart strain.

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The correct answer is: **The higher pressure in the aorta will push extra blood through the ductus arteriosus into the child's pulmonary circulation.** **Explanation:** A patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a condition where the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel that allows blood to bypass the lungs in a fetus, fails to close after birth. Normally, after birth, the pressure in the aorta (systemic circulation) becomes higher than in the pulmonary artery (lungs), causing blood to flow from the aorta into the pulmonary circulation through the PDA. This abnormal left-to-right shunt results in excessive blood flow to the lungs, which can lead to: - **Pulmonary Overcirculation:** Excess blood flow into the lungs can cause fluid buildup, increasing the risk of respiratory issues. - **Heart Strain:** The heart has to work harder to pump the additional blood, which can lead to heart enlargement and potential heart failure if left untreated. - **Increased Risk of Infections:** Higher blood flow to the lungs can increase the risk of respiratory infections like pneumonia. **Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:** 1. **Blood is flowing from the pulmonary trunk into the aorta:** This is the opposite of what typically occurs in PDA. The shunt is usually left-to-right (from aorta to pulmonary artery) due to higher systemic pressure. 3. **Development of an interventricular septal defect:** PDA does not directly cause defects in the interventricular septum. These are separate cardiac anomalies. 4. **Coronary arteries receiving too much blood from the pulmonary trunk:** The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle itself and are not directly involved in the shunting caused by PDA. Early detection and management of PDA are crucial to prevent complications related to excessive blood flow to the lungs and the strain it places on the heart. **Answer:** The higher pressure in the aorta will push extra blood through the ductus arteriosus into the child's pulmonary circulation.

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When a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is present, it allows blood to flow from the aorta back into the lungs rather than delivering oxygen-rich blood to the body. This abnormal shunting can lead to a host of issues, including congestive heart failure and increased pulmonary blood flow, which may compromise the newborn's overall oxygenation and energy levels. It's a classic case of "too much of a good thing" in the lungs! Addressing a PDA is crucial because untreated, it can lead to pulmonary hypertension and other long-term complications. Monitoring and timing of interventions, whether medical or surgical, are essential to guide the newborn to a healthier path. It's a heartwarming reminder of how our circulatory system's balance is key to overall well-being!

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