The teacher reports to the nurse that, despite adequate intelligence, a child is not performing well in school. The nurse’s initial assessments would include:

a) Passive transplacental immunity from maternal immunoglobulin G: While this provides some initial immunity, it does not fully account for the susceptibility to infections in newborns and young infants.

b) Exposure to microorganisms during the birth process: Though exposure can occur during birth, it is not the primary reason for heightened susceptibility to infections.

c) Low levels of antibodies: Newborns and young infants have underdeveloped immune systems and fewer antibodies, making them more vulnerable to infections.

d) High level of maternal antibodies to diseases to which the mother has been exposed: Maternal antibodies initially provide some protection, but they gradually decline, contributing to the infant's susceptibility to infections.

• Coarctation of the aorta
  Explanation: This condition involves a narrowing of the aorta, typically occurring just after the left subclavian artery. It causes higher blood pressure in the arms and lower blood pressure in the legs due to the obstruction of blood flow.

• Patent ductus arteriosus
  Explanation: This is a condition where the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel in the fetal heart, does not close after birth. It usually causes increased blood flow to the lungs rather than a discrepancy between upper and lower body blood pressures.

• Tetralogy of Fallot
  Explanation: This congenital heart defect consists of four heart abnormalities. While it affects blood flow and oxygen levels, it does not typically cause a significant difference in blood pressure between the arms and legs.

• Transposition of the great arteries
  Explanation: This condition involves the aorta and pulmonary artery being switched. It leads to severe oxygenation issues but does not usually result in a notable difference in blood pressure readings between the arms and legs.