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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Incorrect. While solid foods are introduced around six months of age, the nurse should consider the specific condition of the infant's congenital heart disease before giving feeding recommendations.
B) The answer is B. Infants with congenital heart diseases may tire easily during feeding due to the increased effort required for sucking and swallowing. Feeding small, frequent meals can help prevent fatigue and ensure adequate nutrition.
C) Incorrect. Breastfeeding is generally encouraged, even for infants with congenital heart diseases. However, the nurse should consider any specific feeding challenges the infant may have due to their heart condition and provide appropriate support and guidance.
D) Incorrect. Limiting fluid intake may not be necessary unless specifically advised by the healthcare provider. Infants need sufficient hydration, and fluid intake should be managed based on the infant's overall health and condition.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Prostaglandin E1 does not primarily aim to improve cardiac contractility. It is used for a different purpose in the management of congenital heart diseases.
B) Incorrect. Prostaglandin E1 is not used to reduce systemic blood pressure. In fact, it may have the opposite effect, causing vasodilation and potentially lowering blood pressure.
C) The answer is C. Prostaglandin E1 is used to promote and maintain the patency of the ductus arteriosus, especially in critical congenital heart defects. This ensures adequate blood flow to systemic circulation until corrective surgery can be performed.
D) Incorrect. Prostaglandin E1 does not decrease heart rate. It primarily affects the patency of the ductus arteriosus.
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