FETAL CIRCULATION

Question 1

what would happen to the O2 content in the pulmonary artery in a patient with PDA (oxygenated blood)

Answer 1

• obliteration of ductus arteriosus causing a detour or reversal of flow of blood causing LEFT TO RIGHT SHUNT
• normal flow should be low to high PA (deoxygenated blood) to AORTA (oxygenated blood) what happens is high to low AORTA (oxygenated blood) to PA (deoxygenated blood)
• causing LV as the main pump of blood to the aorta having 100% pressure
• decrease flow to the systemic circuit
• causing HYPOPERFUSION
• CAUSING AN INCREASE IN OXYGEN CONTENT because of the recirculation of oxygenated blood in the pulmonary artery

Question 2

highest source of oxygen in the fetal circulation

Answer 2

• umbilical vessels 80%

- thru the placenta

Question 3

main pump in the fetus

Answer 3

• RV systolic pressure 25mm Hg because lung is asleep