1.
The nurse explains that a ventricular septal defect will allow:
Correct Answer
A. Blood to shunt left to right, causing increased pulmonary flow and no cyanosis
Explanation
A ventricular septal defect is a hole in the wall (septum) between the two lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart. This defect allows blood to flow from the left ventricle to the right ventricle, causing a left-to-right shunt. As a result, oxygenated blood from the left side of the heart mixes with deoxygenated blood from the right side of the heart, increasing the pulmonary flow. However, since the blood is still oxygenated, there is no cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen).
2.
The assessment that would lead the nurse to suspect that a newborn infant has a ventricular septal defect is:
Correct Answer
A. A loud, harsh murmur with a systolic tremor.
Explanation
A loud, harsh murmur with a systolic tremor is indicative of a ventricular septal defect in a newborn infant. This type of murmur is caused by blood flowing through the abnormal opening between the ventricles, resulting in turbulent blood flow and vibrations that can be felt as a tremor. This assessment finding suggests that there is a hole in the wall separating the ventricles, allowing blood to mix between the two chambers.
3.
The finding the nurse would expect when measuring blood pressure on all four extremities of a child with coarctation of the aorta is blood pressure that is:
Correct Answer
D. Lower in the legs than in the arms
Explanation
Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital heart defect where the aorta is narrowed. This narrowing restricts blood flow to the lower part of the body. When measuring blood pressure on all four extremities, the nurse would expect to find lower blood pressure in the legs compared to the arms. This is because the narrowed aorta creates resistance to blood flow, resulting in decreased pressure in the lower extremities.
4.
When a father asks why his child with tetralogy of Fallot seems to favor a squatting position, the nurse would explain that squatting:
Correct Answer
A. Increases the return of venous blood back to the heart
Explanation
Squatting increases the return of venous blood back to the heart. When a child with tetralogy of Fallot squats, it helps to increase systemic vascular resistance and decrease the right-to-left shunting of blood. This position improves blood flow to the lungs and increases oxygenation. Squatting is a compensatory mechanism that the child instinctively adopts to relieve symptoms such as cyanosis and dyspnea. By increasing venous return, squatting helps to optimize cardiac output and improve overall cardiovascular function.
5.
An infant is experiencing dyspnea related to patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The nurse understands dyspnea occurs because blood is:
Correct Answer
A. Circulated through the lungs again, causing pulmonary circulatory congestion
Explanation
In a normal heart, the ductus arteriosus closes shortly after birth, allowing blood to flow from the pulmonary artery to the lungs for oxygenation. However, in the case of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), the ductus remains open, causing blood to circulate back through the lungs again. This leads to an increased volume of blood in the pulmonary circulation, causing congestion and resulting in dyspnea (difficulty breathing). Therefore, the correct answer is that dyspnea occurs because blood is circulated through the lungs again, causing pulmonary circulatory congestion.
6.
An appropriate nursing action related to the administration of digoxin (Lanoxin) to an infant would be
Correct Answer
B. Withholding a dose if the apical heart rate is less than 100 beats/min
Explanation
If the apical heart rate of an infant is less than 100 beats/min, it may indicate that the infant is experiencing bradycardia, which is a potential side effect of digoxin. In this situation, withholding a dose of digoxin is an appropriate nursing action to prevent further complications. Digoxin is a medication that is used to treat certain heart conditions, but it can also cause adverse effects such as bradycardia. Monitoring the heart rate before administering the medication helps ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
7.
A child develops carditis from rheumatic fever. The nurse knows that the areas of the heart affected by carditis are the:
Correct Answer
B. Heart muscle and the mitral valve.
Explanation
Carditis refers to inflammation of the heart muscle and can also affect the valves. Rheumatic fever, which is caused by an untreated streptococcal infection, can lead to carditis. The inflammation can damage the heart muscle and the mitral valve, resulting in symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and heart murmurs. The other options, such as coronary arteries, aortic and pulmonic valves, and contractility of the ventricles, are not directly related to carditis.
8.
The comment made by a parent of a 1-month-old that would alert the nurse about the presence of a congenital heart defect is:
Correct Answer
B. “He tires out during feedings"
Explanation
Fatigue during feeding or activity is common to most infants with congenital cardiac problems.
9.
The nurse is caring for a child with a diagnosis of Kawasaki disease. The child’s
parent asks the nurse, “How does Kawasaki disease affect my child’s heart and blood
vessels?” The nurse’s response is based on the understanding that:
Correct Answer
A. Inflammation weakens blood vessels, leading to aneurysm
Explanation
Inflammation of vessels weakens the walls of the vessels and often results in aneurysm.
10.
The nurse explained how to position an infant with tetralogy of Fallot if the infant
suddenly becomes cyanotic. The nurse can determine the father understood the instructions
when he states “If the baby turns blue, I will:
Correct Answer
A. Hold him against my shoulder with his knees bent up toward his chest.”
Explanation
In the event of a paroxysmal hypercyanotic or “tet” spell, the infant should be placed in a knee-chest position.
11.
The parent of a 1-year-old child with tetralogy of Fallot asks the nurse, “Why do my
child’s fingertips look like that?” The nurse bases a response on the understanding that
clubbing occurs as a result of:
Correct Answer
D. Chronic hypoxia.
Explanation
Clubbing of the fingers develops in response to chronic hypoxia.
12.
A child has an elevated antistreptolysin O (ASO) titer. Which combination of
symptoms, in conjunction with this finding, would confirm a diagnosis of rheumatic
fever?
Correct Answer
B. Painful, tender joints and carditis
Explanation
The presence of two major Jones’ criteria would indicate a high probability of rheumatic
fever.
13.
An infant with congestive heart failure is receiving digoxin (Lanoxin). The nurse
recognizes a sign of digoxin toxicity, which is:
Correct Answer
D. Vomiting
Explanation
Symptoms of digoxin toxicity include: nausea, vomiting, anorexia, irregularity in pulse rate
and rhythm, and a sudden change in pulse.
14.
The nurse is aware that the infant born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome must
acquire his or her oxygenated blood through:
Correct Answer
D. An atrial septal defect.
Explanation
The correct answer is an atrial septal defect. In infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, the left side of the heart is underdeveloped, making it unable to pump oxygenated blood effectively. In order to compensate for this, the infant relies on an atrial septal defect, which is an abnormal opening between the atria of the heart. This allows oxygenated blood from the right atrium to mix with deoxygenated blood in the left atrium, providing the body with some oxygenated blood. The other options mentioned, such as the patent ductus arteriosus or ventricular septal defect, do not play a role in the circulation of oxygenated blood in this condition.
15.
When the child with rheumatic fever begins involuntary, purposeless movements of
her limbs, the nurse recognizes that this is an indication of:
Correct Answer
C. Sydenham's chorea
Explanation
As the effects of rheumatic fever affect the central nervous system, the child may develop
Sydenham’s chorea manifested by involuntary, purposeless movements of the limbs.
16.
The nurse clarifies to the parents of a 4-year-old child recovering from rheumatic
fever that the child will need to receive monthly injections of penicillin G for a minimum
of _____ year(s).
Correct Answer
C. 5
Explanation
Children who recover from rheumatic fever should have a chemoprophylaxis protocol of
penicillin G injections (about 200,000 units per dose) for a minimum of 5 years or up to the
age of 18 to prevent further bouts of rheumatic fever.
17.
The nurse is aware that the characteristics of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are
that they:
Correct Answer
C. Have little cholesterol.
Explanation
HDLs have low amounts of triglycerides, large amounts of proteins, low amount of cholesterol,
and are excreted via the liver. They have no role in the production of steroids.
18.
The school nurse recommends a heart healthy diet that limits fats to no more than
____% of the total dietary intake.
Correct Answer
D. 30
Explanation
The correct answer is 30%. A heart healthy diet should limit the intake of fats to no more than 30% of the total dietary intake. This is because high fat intake can lead to an increased risk of heart disease and other health problems. By limiting fats to 30% or less, individuals can maintain a healthier heart and overall well-being.
19.
How would the nurse caring for an infant with congestive heart failure (CHF) modify
feeding techniques to adapt for the child’s weakness and fatigue? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Feeding more frequently with smaller feedings
B. Using a soft nipple with enlarged holes
C. Holding and cuddling the child during feeding
E. Offering high-caloric formula
Explanation
Infants with CHF fatigue easily. Feeding can be given more frequently in smaller amounts
through a soft large-holed nipple. Formulas with a denser caloric content can be offered. The
child may be encouraged to nurse if he or she is held.
20.
The nurse uses a diagram to illustrate what four structural heart anomalies that
comprise tetralogy of Fallot? Select the four that apply.
Correct Answer(s)
A. HypertropHied right ventricle
B. Patent ductus arteriosus
D. Narrowing of pulmonary artery
E. Dextroposition of aorta
Explanation
The four anomalies that comprise tetralogy of Fallot are hypertrophied right ventricle, patent
ductus arteriosus, stenosis of pulmonary artery, and dextroposition of the aorta.
21.
What assessment(s) in a child with tetralogy of Fallot would indicate the child is
experiencing a paroxysmal hypercyanotic episode? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Spontaneous cyanosis
B. Dyspnea
C. Weakness
E. Syncope
Explanation
Indicators of a paroxysmal hypercyanotic episode or a “tet” episode are spontaneous
cyanosis, dyspnea, weakness, and syncope.
22.
The nurse explains that which congenital cardiac defect(s) cause(s) increased
pulmonary blood flow? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Atrial septal defects (ASDs)
D. Patent ductus arteriosus
E. Ventricular septal defects (VSDs)
Explanation
The congenital heart defects that cause increased pulmonary blood flow are ASDs, VSDs,
and patent ductus arteriosus.
23.
Which signs indicate congenital cardiac problems?
Correct Answer(s)
B. Clubbing of fingers
D. Tachypnea
E. Pulsations in neck veins
F. Dyspnea
Explanation
Congenital cardiac problems can cause various signs and symptoms. Clubbing of fingers is one such sign, where the fingers appear rounded and the nails become curved. Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, can also be an indication of congenital cardiac problems. Pulsations in neck veins can occur when there is increased pressure in the heart, which can be a result of congenital cardiac issues. Dyspnea, or difficulty in breathing, can also be a symptom of congenital cardiac problems.
24.
Which diagnostic test is a standardized test for rheumatic fever?
Correct Answer
D. Rubella titer
Explanation
An elevated antistreptolysin O titer (ASO) is a standardized diagnostic test for
rheumatic fever
25.
Which observation indicates that an infant with congestive heart failure (CHF) is carefully
following the prescribed medical regimen?
Correct Answer
B. The child exhibits normal weight for age
Explanation
The observation that the child exhibits normal weight for age indicates that the infant with congestive heart failure (CHF) is carefully following the prescribed medical regimen. This is because CHF can cause fluid retention and weight gain, so if the child's weight is within the normal range for their age, it suggests that the prescribed treatment, which likely includes diuretics to reduce fluid retention, is effective in managing the condition.
26.
Which defects are associated with tetralogy of Fallot?
Correct Answer(s)
B. Ventricular septal defect
C. Dextroposition of the arts
D. Pulmonary artery stenosis
E. HypertropHy of the right ventricle
Explanation
Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that consists of four specific abnormalities: ventricular septal defect (VSD), dextroposition of the aorta, pulmonary artery stenosis, and hypertrophy of the right ventricle. These defects result in a combination of cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin) and decreased oxygen levels in the blood. The VSD allows blood to flow between the left and right ventricles, causing mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. Dextroposition of the aorta refers to the aorta being shifted to the right, rather than located over the left ventricle. Pulmonary artery stenosis refers to a narrowing of the pulmonary artery, which restricts blood flow to the lungs. Hypertrophy of the right ventricle is an enlargement of the right ventricle due to increased workload.
27.
The nurse is caring for a child receiving digoxin (Lanoxin) for the diagnosis of heart
failure. Which manifestation does the nurse recognize as a cardinal sin of digoxin
toxicity?
Correct Answer
B. Extreme bradycardia
Explanation
Digoxin is a medication commonly used to treat heart failure. It works by increasing the force of the heart's contractions, which helps to improve the heart's ability to pump blood. However, one of the potential side effects of digoxin is toxicity, which can occur if the medication builds up in the body to unsafe levels. Extreme bradycardia, or an abnormally slow heart rate, is a cardinal sign of digoxin toxicity. This is because digoxin affects the electrical conduction system of the heart, slowing down the heart rate. Other manifestations of digoxin toxicity may include nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, and confusion.
28.
Which disorder causes deoxygenated blood to enter the systemic arterial circulation?
Correct Answer
B. Tetralogy of Fallot
Explanation
Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that consists of four abnormalities, including a ventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, overriding aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy. One of the main characteristics of this disorder is the presence of a ventricular septal defect, which allows deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to mix with oxygenated blood from the left ventricle, resulting in deoxygenated blood entering the systemic arterial circulation. This leads to the characteristic cyanosis seen in individuals with Tetralogy of Fallot.
29.
Which symptoms are indicative of rheumatic fever (RF)?
Correct Answer(s)
A. Abdominal pain
B. Migratory polyartgritis
D. Chorea
Explanation
The symptoms of abdominal pain, migratory polyarthritis, and chorea are indicative of rheumatic fever (RF). Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can develop after an infection with streptococcus bacteria, such as strep throat. Abdominal pain may occur due to inflammation of the abdominal organs, migratory polyarthritis refers to the joint pain that moves from one joint to another, and chorea is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary jerky movements. These symptoms, along with a history of recent streptococcal infection, help in diagnosing rheumatic fever.
30.
What are the priority nursing actions when administering Diuril (chlorothiazide) to a child
diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF)?
Correct Answer
C. Monitor serum electrolytes and daily weight
Explanation
When administering Diuril to a child diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF), it is important for the nurse to monitor serum electrolytes and daily weight. Diuril is a diuretic medication that helps to remove excess fluid from the body, which is crucial in managing CHF. Monitoring serum electrolytes helps to ensure that the medication is not causing any imbalances in the child's electrolyte levels. Daily weight monitoring is important to assess for any fluid retention or weight gain, which may indicate worsening CHF. Intake and output and periods of rest are important considerations, but they are not the priority nursing actions in this situation. Measuring pulse and reviewing ECG are important assessments, but they are not specific to administering Diuril. Holding the dose if the patient vomits and waiting for a doctor's order to repeat the dose is not necessary unless there are specific contraindications or concerns.