Blood samples are simultaneously obtained from both the right radial artery and the umbilical artery, and the arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO₂) value from the right radial artery is 20 mm Hg greater than that analyzed from the umbilical artery sample. On the basis of this finding, which of the following conditions does the neonate likely have?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A PaO₂ gradient between a preductal (right radial artery) and a postductal (umbilical artery) site of blood sampling >20 mm Hg suggests right-to-left shunting through the ductus arteriosus, as does an oxygenation saturation gradient >10% between preductal and postductal sites on pulse oximetry.

Blood Samples Are Simultaneously Obtained from Both the Right Radial