Maternity and Pediatric Nursing 4th Edition Test Bank Related

Review Maternity and Pediatric Nursing 4th Edition Test Bank related questions and content

which of the following must be present in order for an infant with complete transposition of the great vessels to survive at birth?

  • A. coarctation of aorta
  • B. pulmonary stenosis
  • C. patent ductus arteriosus
  • D. mitral stenosis
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In an infant with complete transposition of the great vessels, the survival at birth depends on the presence of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) to allow mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. In this condition, the aorta arises from the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery arises from the left ventricle, leading to separate circulatory pathways for oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. The survival of the infant is dependent on the remaining fetal shunts, such as a PDA, to maintain an adequate mixing of blood until corrective surgery can be performed. Therefore, the presence of a PDA is essential for the survival of an infant with complete transposition of the great vessels at birth.