Inpatient Obstetric Nurse (NCC) Practice Exam 2025 - Free NCC Practice Questions and Study Guide

In the neonatal context, PDA refers to Patent Ductus Arteriosus. This condition involves the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel that allows blood to bypass the lungs in a fetus, remaining open (patent) after birth when it should normally close. The ductus arteriosus connects the pulmonary artery to the descending aorta, providing a crucial pathway for fetal circulation.

After birth, this vessel is expected to constrict and close, leading to separate pulmonary and systemic circulation. If it remains open, it may lead to various complications, such as increased blood flow to the lungs and heart, which can cause respiratory issues and heart failure in a newborn. Understanding PDA and its implications is significant for neonatal nursing care, as timely identification and management can help prevent potential health problems associated with this condition.

The other choices refer to similar concepts but do not accurately describe the specific state of the ductus arteriosus in this context. The importance of distinguishing between patent and non-patent states is critical in neonatal medicine, making "Patent Ductus Arteriosus" the appropriate terminology.