What is a common symptom of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN) typically observed within the first day of life?

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN) is a condition characterized by elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, leading to inadequate oxygenation and circulation. One of the hallmark symptoms of PPHN is cyanosis, which is due to the right-to-left shunting of blood, meaning that deoxygenated blood bypasses the lungs and enters systemic circulation. This results in a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes.

Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, is also a significant symptom observed in infants with PPHN. This occurs as the newborn attempts to compensate for the inadequate oxygenation by increasing their respiratory rate. The combination of cyanosis and tachypnea typically presents within the first day of life, making it crucial for healthcare providers to recognize these signs for prompt diagnosis and intervention.

While other options list symptoms that may occur in neonates, they are either not specific to PPHN or are not typically associated with it. For example, although hypotension and bradycardia can occur in various neonatal conditions, they are not characteristic signs of PPHN. Similarly, fever and irritability, as well as jaundice and poor feeding, are more general signs that can be indicative of a range