An adolescent boy is admitted with the following symptoms: Slow onset of recurrent low-grade fever, fatigue, weakness, joint and muscle aches, loss of appetite, weight loss and diaphoresis.
On assessment the nurse auscultates a new heart murmur, splenomegaly, petechiae, splinter hemorrhages under the nails and Osler nodes (red, painful non-hemorrhagic nodules on the pads of fingers and toes.
Which of the following Acquired Heart Diseases does this best represent?
Infective endocarditis
Tetralogy of Fallot
Acute rheumatic fever
Pulmonary hypertension
The Correct Answer is A
A. The symptoms described, including slow onset of recurrent low-grade fever, fatigue, weakness, joint and muscle aches, loss of appetite, weight loss, and diaphoresis, along with the presence of a new heart murmur, splenomegaly, petechiae, splinter hemorrhages under the nails, and Osler nodes, are classic signs and symptoms of infective endocarditis (IE).
B. Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect characterized by four specific abnormalities in the heart's structure. The symptoms described do not align with the characteristic features of Tetralogy of Fallot.
C. Acute rheumatic fever is an inflammatory condition that can develop as a complication of untreated streptococcal infections, particularly strep throat. While it can lead to heart valve damage (rheumatic heart disease), the symptoms described are more indicative of infective endocarditis rather than acute rheumatic fever.
D. Pulmonary hypertension is a condition characterized by elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. While it can present with symptoms such as fatigue and weakness, it typically does not manifest with the constellation of symptoms described, including fever, joint and muscle aches, and the presence of Osler nodes and splinter hemorrhages.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are congenital abnormalities that occur during early embryonic development when the neural tube fails to close completely. Spina bifida is one type of neural tube defect where the spinal column doesn't close all the way, resulting in spinal cord and nerve damage. It can lead to various complications, including paralysis, bladder and bowel problems, and learning difficulties. Therefore, it is an appropriate example of a neural tube defect.
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B. Cerebral palsy is a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood.
C. Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass.
D. Hydrocephalus is a condition where there's an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, often due to obstruction or impaired drainage.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Wilms' tumor, also known as nephroblastoma, is a type of kidney cancer that primarily affects children, typically between the ages of 3 and 4 years old, but it can also occur in younger children. One of the common manifestations of Wilms' tumor is the presence of a palpable abdominal mass, which may be noticed by a caregiver or healthcare provider during a physical examination. Additionally, hematuria (blood in the urine) is another common symptom associated with Wilms' tumor, leading to the observation of pink-tinged urine on the diaper.
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