Eight hours after being born, a baby presents with cyanosis despite administration of adequate ventilation, tachypnea, and retractions. Which of the following conditions should the therapist suspect is affecting this newborn?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

PPHN should be suspected in all term infants who have cyanosis that may occur despite adequate ventilation. The recognition of risk factors for PPHN is one of the major diagnostic tools to differentiate babies with PPHN from those with structural heart disease, keeping in mind that idiopathic PPHN can present without signs of acute perinatal distress. Marked lability in oxygenation is frequently part of the clinical history. The infant with PPHN usually presents within the first 12 hours of life with cyanosis, tachypnea, and hypoxia that are refractory to oxygen therapy, as well as signs of respiratory distress, including retractions, grunting, and nasal flaring.

Eight Hours After Being Born, a Baby Presents with Cyanosis