A 4-Week-Old Boy Undergoes Cardiac Catheterization for Closure of a Patent

A 4-week-old boy undergoes cardiac catheterization for closure of a patent ductus arteriosus.  The patient was born at 26 weeks gestation due to placental abruption.  He has been cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit since delivery.  Pulse oximetry shows 99% in the right hand and left foot.  Echocardiography shows a moderately sized patent ductus arteriosus.  After catheterization but before closure, blood gases are obtained from several locations.  Compared with the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO₂) of a normal infant, this patient would be expected to have a higher PaO₂ in which of the following locations?

A) Ascending aorta
B) Descending aorta
C) Left atrium
D) Pulmonary artery
E) Right atrium

Correct Answer:

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