Cardiology: transposition of great arteries: practice question

A Pediatrics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pediatrics · Cardiology: transposition of great arteries

Sample item

A newborn has profound cyanosis shortly after birth with little response to oxygen. Which intervention may be lifesaving while definitive repair is arranged?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Prostaglandin E1 to maintain ductal mixing

In transposition of the great arteries, systemic and pulmonary circulations run in parallel, so survival depends on mixing through a duct, foramen ovale, or septal defect. Prostaglandin E1 maintains ductal patency.

Option by option

  • A. Oral iron

    Iron does not treat congenital cyanotic physiology.

  • B. Furosemide only

    Furosemide does not create circulatory mixing.

  • C. Prostaglandin E1 to maintain ductal mixing (correct)

    Correct. Keeping the duct open improves blood mixing and oxygen delivery.

  • D. Indomethacin to close the ductus

    Indomethacin closes the ductus and can worsen cyanosis.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is C, Prostaglandin E1 to maintain ductal mixing. In transposition of the great arteries, systemic and pulmonary circulations run in parallel, so survival depends on mixing through a duct, foramen ovale, or septal defect.

Why is "Oral iron" not the answer?

Iron does not treat congenital cyanotic physiology.

Why is "Furosemide only" not the answer?

Furosemide does not create circulatory mixing.

Why is "Indomethacin to close the ductus" not the answer?

Indomethacin closes the ductus and can worsen cyanosis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cardiology: transposition of great arteries in Pediatrics. Prostaglandin E1 maintains ductal patency.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Cardiology: transposition of great arteries?

Memorise milestones and the vaccine schedule as tables and revise them often. Then use the flashcards and the other Pediatrics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.