Christopher,a 2-month-old infant,has a bluish tinge to his skin.Upon listening to the infant's chest,the physician became concerned about a leakage of blood between the right and left atria.What might have caused this problem and what is the treatment?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The bluish tinge to Christopher's skin suggests that he is not receiving enough oxygenated blood. The physician's concern about a leakage of blood between the right and left atria suggests that the infant may have a patent foramen ovale (an opening between the two atria that should have closed at birth). This can cause backflow of blood into the lungs and lead to decreased oxygen availability. The treatment is to reexamine the infant frequently, as the foramen ovale may take up to 9 months to heal on its own. Surgical closure may be considered if the condition does not improve or worsens. Options A and B refer to a different congenital heart defect (patent ductus venosus and patent ductus arteriosus, respectively), and option D is incorrect as a closed foramen ovale cannot cause backflow of blood into the lungs.

Christopher,a 2-Month-Old Infant,has a Bluish Tinge to His Skin