Which sign most strongly suggests a significant PDA in a preterm infant?

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Multiple Choice

Which sign most strongly suggests a significant PDA in a preterm infant?

Explanation:
A persistent PDA allows blood to flow from the aorta into the pulmonary artery continuously, so the hallmark is a continuous, machinery-like murmur that lasts through both systole and diastole. In preterm infants, this sign is the most characteristic and specific clue that a PDA is present and likely significant, because the flow through the open ductusarteriosus creates that ongoing murmur. Other signs like tachypnea, bounding pulses, or widened pulse pressure can occur with PDA but are less specific and can be seen in other conditions as well. So the continuous machinery-like murmur best points to a significant PDA.

A persistent PDA allows blood to flow from the aorta into the pulmonary artery continuously, so the hallmark is a continuous, machinery-like murmur that lasts through both systole and diastole. In preterm infants, this sign is the most characteristic and specific clue that a PDA is present and likely significant, because the flow through the open ductusarteriosus creates that ongoing murmur. Other signs like tachypnea, bounding pulses, or widened pulse pressure can occur with PDA but are less specific and can be seen in other conditions as well. So the continuous machinery-like murmur best points to a significant PDA.

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