NREMT Paramedic Practice

What condition is characterized by a heart defect where blood mixes between the pulmonary artery and aorta?

1. Coarctation of the Aorta

2. Patent Ductus Arteriosus

3. Left-to-Right Shunt

4. Pierre Robin Syndrome

The correct answer is: Patent Ductus Arteriosus

The condition characterized by a heart defect where blood mixes between the pulmonary artery and the aorta is Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). This condition occurs when the ductus arteriosus, a normal fetal blood vessel that connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta, fails to close after birth. As a result, oxygenated and deoxygenated blood mix, leading to a left-to-right shunt. This shunting can cause increased blood flow to the lungs and may lead to respiratory issues and other complications if not addressed. PDA is especially common among premature infants and can be indicated by signs of heart failure, such as rapid breathing and poor feeding. Its significance lies in the fact that if the ductus arteriosus remains open, it can overload the pulmonary circulation and induce heart problems later in life. Treatment options often involve medications or surgical intervention to close the duct. While the other conditions mentioned may involve circulatory issues, they do not specifically denote the direct mixing of blood between the pulmonary artery and aorta in the way that PDA does. Coarctation of the Aorta refers to a narrowing of the aorta itself, not a connection between vessels. Left-to-right shunts describe the direction of blood flow typically seen