To maintain a patent ductus arteriosus in an infant with tetralogy of Fallot, which medication will likely be ordered?

Alprostadil is a prostaglandin E1 analog that is commonly used to maintain patency of the ductus arteriosus in infants, particularly in conditions like tetralogy of Fallot. In this congenital heart defect, blood flow can be obstructed due to the presence of a narrowed outflow track, which can lead to inadequate oxygenation of blood circulating through the body.

By keeping the ductus arteriosus open, alprostadil allows for increased blood flow to the lungs for oxygenation and helps improve overall circulation. This is crucial for infants with tetralogy of Fallot, as it can temporarily alleviate critical symptoms associated with the condition until more definitive surgical interventions can be performed.

The other medications listed do not serve the same purpose in this context. Indomethacin, for example, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is often used to encourage closure of the ductus arteriosus, which is counterproductive in a patient requiring maintenance of ductal patency. Propranolol is a beta-blocker that may be used for various cardiac conditions, but it does not specifically support ductus patency. Morphine, typically used for pain management, is not relevant to maintaining a patent