Assessment of pre-ductal O2 saturation in PDA of a 3 minute born infant is done at?
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the understanding of **perinatal circulation** and the importance of **pre-ductal oxygen saturation** in the context of a **patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)**. Pre-ductal oxygen saturation refers to the oxygen saturation measured before the ductus arteriosus, typically in the **right upper limb**.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Assessment of pre-ductal O2 saturation is crucial in the diagnosis of PDA, as it helps in identifying the presence of **right-to-left shunt**. In a normal newborn, oxygen saturation is higher in the **lower limbs** due to the preferential flow of oxygenated blood to the upper body. However, in the presence of a PDA, oxygenated blood from the aorta mixes with deoxygenated blood from the pulmonary artery, leading to a decrease in oxygen saturation in the lower limbs.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Incorrect because it does not specify the correct location for pre-ductal oxygen saturation measurement.
**Option B:** Incorrect as it is not directly related to the assessment of pre-ductal oxygen saturation.
**Option D:** Incorrect because it is not a common site for measuring pre-ductal oxygen saturation.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In clinical practice, measuring pre-ductal and post-ductal oxygen saturation can help in diagnosing PDA. A significant difference between pre-ductal and post-ductal oxygen saturation (>10%) is suggestive of a **right-to-left shunt**.
**Correct Answer:** Correct Answer: C. Right upper limb.