How should the therapist interpret a preductal-to-postductal PaO₂ difference of 8 mm Hg in a neonate?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Clinical signs of a PDA depend on the degree of left-to-right shunting but may include tachypnea and a continuous murmur.In addition to signs on exam,one can detect the presence of shunting by looking for a difference in oxygenation of preductal and postductal blood.A preductal blood gas should be obtained from the right radial or temporal artery,while a postductal gas may be obtained from the umbilical artery or from a peripheral artery in the lower extremity.A difference in PaO₂ > 15 mm Hg indicates significant shunting across the PDA.

How Should the Therapist Interpret a Preductal-To-Postductal PaO₂ Difference of 8