A nurse is preparing to administer a dose of prostaglandin E1 to an infant with a congenital heart disease. What is the primary therapeutic effect of this medication?
Improve oxygenation by increasing hemoglobin levels.
Reduce pulmonary blood flow and pressure.
Close a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
Promote the growth of cardiac muscle tissue.
The Correct Answer is C
A) Incorrect. Prostaglandin E1 does not directly increase hemoglobin levels or oxygenation in the blood.
B) Incorrect. Prostaglandin E1 helps maintain the patency of the ductus arteriosus to ensure adequate blood flow to systemic circulation, especially in certain congenital heart diseases. It does not reduce pulmonary blood flow and pressure.
C) The answer is C. Prostaglandin E1 is used to keep the ductus arteriosus open, allowing blood to flow from the pulmonary artery to the aorta. In certain congenital heart diseases, such as critical congenital heart defects, this is necessary to ensure adequate blood circulation.
D) Incorrect. Prostaglandin E1 does not promote the growth of cardiac muscle tissue. Its primary therapeutic effect is related to the patency of the ductus arteriosus.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) This option is incorrect. Family history of congenital heart diseases is a significant risk factor. If a close family member has had a congenital heart defect, the risk of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies may be higher.
B) Correct answer. Exposure to certain infections during pregnancy, such as rubella (German measles), can increase the risk of congenital heart diseases in the baby. Rubella is known to be teratogenic, meaning it can cause birth defects.
C) This option is incorrect. While a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy is important for overall maternal and fetal health, it is not the primary risk factor for congenital heart diseases.
D) This option is incorrect. While genetic factors play a significant role in the etiology of congenital heart diseases, there are other identifiable risk factors, as mentioned in option B.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) The answer is A. The pallor and coolness of the skin may indicate poor cardiac output and impaired circulation commonly seen in congenital heart diseases. These signs are suggestive of reduced oxygen delivery to peripheral tissues.
B) Incorrect. The respiratory rate being within the normal range does not specifically point to a congenital heart disease. Other signs and symptoms should be assessed to confirm the diagnosis.
C) Incorrect. The closure and firmness of the fontanelle are related to the status of the infant's skull bones and do not directly indicate congenital heart disease.
D) Incorrect. Weight gain following the growth chart percentile for age is not directly associated with congenital heart diseases. There are more specific clinical indicators to consider in the assessment of this condition.
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