A 4-hour-old male infant is being assessed because of bluish discoloration of his lips and tongue. He was born at term and the antenatal period showed tetralogy of fallot. Initial Apgar scores are 5 and 7 at 1 and 5 minutes after birth, respectively. His temperature is 37.3°C (99.1°F), pulse is 170/min, respirations are 65/min, and blood pressure is 70/46 mm Hg. Pulse oximetry on room air shows an oxygen saturation of 92%. A grade 3/6 holosystolic murmur is heard over the left upper sternal border. This patient should be immediately treated with a medication producing which of the following effects?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Severe tetralogy of Fallot is a ductal-dependent lesion that requires blood flow through the ductus arteriosus (from the aorta to the pulmonary artery) for adequate oxygenation.  Prostaglandin E1 prevents closure of the ductus arteriosus and should be immediately administered to all cyanotic neonates with suspected ductal-dependent lesions.

A 4-Hour-Old Male Infant Is Being Assessed Because of Bluish