Question

When would you administer prostaglandins to keep a hole open?

a) Ventricular septal defect
b) Atrial septal defect
c) Patent ductus arteriosus
d) Coarctation of the aorta

Answer 1

Prostaglandins are used to keep the ductus arteriosus open in cases of patent ductus arteriosus, a condition where this temporary fetal blood vessel fails to close after birth.

Step-by-step explanation:

Prostaglandins are administered to keep a hole open in the case of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). PDA is a congenital condition where the ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth, leading to abnormal blood flow between the aorta and the pulmonary artery. This can result in increased pulmonary pressure and difficulty in respiration. Treatments might include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to block the synthesis of prostaglandin E2, which maintains the vessel in an open state, surgical closure, or manual closure with implants. If left untreated, it could progress to congestive heart failure.