Inpatient Obstetric Nurse (NCC) Practice Exam

Infants weighing between 500-1500 grams, often categorized as very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, have a significantly higher risk of developing persistent ductus arteriosus (PDA), a condition where the ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth. Research indicates that approximately 37% of these infants will develop PDA. This higher incidence is primarily due to the immaturity of their cardiovascular systems, which can lead to difficulties in the normal transition from fetal to neonatal circulation.

In the context of the other percentages provided in the choices, while 15%, 25%, and 50% are relevant figures that may pertain to different subsets of the population or various conditions, the statistic of 37% is well-supported in neonatal studies. This highlights the importance of early recognition and management of PDA in VLBW infants, aiming to reduce complications associated with this condition.