A term infant is found to have a congenital heart defect. During a cardiac catheterization, a stent is inserted to maintain the ductus arteriosus. The parents ask the nurse to explain the purpose of this procedure. The nurse's response would include the information that the stent:
A)Will keep the ductus arteriosus open and oxygenated and unoxygenated blood mixed.
B)Is used to close the ductus arteriosus to prevent mixing of arterial and venous blood.
C)Will redirect the blood so that blood bypasses the right ventricle.
D)Connects the ventricle to the atrium.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The stent is inserted to keep the ductus arteriosus open, which allows oxygenated and unoxygenated blood to mix and maintain adequate oxygenation of the body before surgery or intervention can be done to correct the congenital heart defect.

A Term Infant Is Found to Have a Congenital Heart