What is the purpose of transillumination in infants?

Transillumination in infants is primarily used to assess lung inflation and detect conditions like pneumothorax. During this procedure, a light source is placed against the skin, typically on the chest. If there is normal lung inflation, light will pass through the thoracic cavity. However, in the presence of a pneumothorax, where air is present in the pleural space, the light will not transmit as effectively, resulting in a dimmer or completely blocked light appearance.

This technique is particularly useful because it is non-invasive and can provide immediate information about the state of the lungs. It is important in infants who may not be able to communicate signs of distress, and this quick assessment can guide further diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

While the other options may involve assessments related to infants, they do not relate directly to the specific use of transillumination. For example, evaluating skin conditions is typically done through visual inspection rather than this technique, measuring blood oxygen saturation is performed using oximetry, and checking for congenital heart defects usually involves other evaluations such as echocardiography or physical examination of heart sounds. Thus, the specificity of using transillumination makes it uniquely suited for identifying lung-related issues like pneumothorax.