A nurse is collecting data from an infant who has coarctation of the aorta. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
Machine-like murmur
Severe cyanosis
Decreased blood pressure in the legs
Pulmonary edema
The Correct Answer is C
A. Machine-like murmur:
A machine-like murmur typically refers to a continuous murmur, which can be heard throughout systole and diastole. While machine-like murmurs can be associated with certain cardiac conditions, such as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), they are not typically heard in coarctation of the aorta. In coarctation of the aorta, a systolic ejection murmur may be heard over the upper left sternal border due to turbulent blood flow across the narrowed aortic segment.
B. Severe cyanosis:
Cyanosis refers to a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to decreased oxygenation of the blood. While cyanosis can occur in various congenital heart defects, such as tetralogy of Fallot, it is not a characteristic manifestation of coarctation of the aorta. Coarctation of the aorta typically results in decreased blood flow to the lower extremities rather than mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.
C. Decreased blood pressure in the legs:
This is the correct choice. Coarctation of the aorta is characterized by narrowing of the aorta, which leads to decreased blood flow to the lower extremities. Consequently, blood pressure measurements in the legs may be lower compared to those in the arms. This finding is often a key indicator of coarctation of the aorta.
D. Pulmonary edema:
Pulmonary edema refers to the accumulation of fluid in the lungs and is typically associated with conditions such as heart failure or fluid overload. While some congenital heart defects may lead to heart failure and subsequent pulmonary edema, coarctation of the aorta does not directly cause pulmonary edema. Instead, it primarily affects blood flow to the lower extremities due to the narrowing of the aorta.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Place the infant in prone position.
This option is incorrect. Placing the infant in the prone position (lying on the stomach) could put pressure on the spinal lesion, potentially causing discomfort or complications. It's important to minimize pressure on the affected area in infants with spina bifida.
B. Cover the infant's lesion with a dry cloth.
This option is incorrect. While keeping the lesion clean and dry is important for preventing infection, simply covering it with a dry cloth may not provide adequate protection. Proper wound care techniques, such as using sterile dressings and cleaning the area with prescribed solutions, are typically necessary to prevent infection and promote healing.
C. Feed the infant through an NG tube.
This option is incorrect. While infants with severe forms of spina bifida may have difficulty feeding due to associated complications, such as difficulty swallowing or weak sucking reflexes, feeding through a nasogastric (NG) tube is not a standard intervention for spina bifida itself. Feeding methods would depend on the specific needs and abilities of the infant, and may involve breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or other methods under the guidance of healthcare professionals.
D. Diapering over a low defect will keep the infant free from infection.
This option is correct. Diapering over a low defect (the opening in the spine caused by spina bifida) helps to keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection. By properly covering the defect with a diaper, exposure to urine and feces, which can increase the risk of infection, is minimized. Additionally, regular diaper changes and proper hygiene practices are essential for preventing complications in infants with spina bifida.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Promote maternal-infant bonding: While promoting maternal-infant bonding is essential for the overall well-being of the newborn and family, it may not be the priority in this situation. The immediate focus is on medical management and preventing complications associated with the myelomeningocele.
B. Provide age-appropriate stimulation: Age-appropriate stimulation is important for newborn development, but in the case of a newborn with a myelomeningocele awaiting surgery, the priority is to minimize any potential risk of injury or infection to the exposed neural tissue.
C. Educate the parents about the defect: Education about the myelomeningocele and its long-term implications is crucial for the parents' understanding and ability to care for their child. However, while important, this may not be the priority at the immediate moment.
D. Maintain integrity of the sac: This is the priority nursing goal in caring for a newborn with a myelomeningocele awaiting surgery. The sac covering the exposed neural tissue must be carefully protected to prevent infection and further damage. Measures such as keeping the sac moist with sterile saline dressings and preventing trauma to the area are essential to maintain its integrity.
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