Physiological AdaptationQuestion 1303 of 2368
Why is an infant with hypoplastic left heart syndrome at risk for circulatory collapse in the first few days of life?
- The ductus arteriosus closes, and the left ventricle cannot support blood flow
- The foramen ovale opens fully, and blood bypasses the lungs
- The right ventricle enlarges and blocks the pulmonary artery
- The aorta rotates over the septum and mixes the blood
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Correct answer: The ductus arteriosus closes, and the left ventricle cannot support blood flow
The right side keeps the infant alive through the open ductus arteriosus. When it closes, no functional left ventricle remains to maintain flow.
Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Congenital Heart Defects: Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026