A nurse is assessing a newborn with suspected congenital heart disease. Which clinical finding should the nurse prioritize as an early symptom of heart defects?
"Difficulty swallowing and poor feeding"
"Cyanosis (bluish skin or lips) during crying or feeding"
"Persistent cough and recurrent respiratory infections"
"Excessive weight gain and rapid growth rate"
The Correct Answer is B
A) This option is incorrect. Difficulty swallowing and poor feeding may indicate other issues, such as gastrointestinal problems, but they are not early symptoms specific to congenital heart diseases.
B) Correct answer. Cyanosis (bluish skin or lips) during crying or feeding is an early clinical finding that may indicate inadequate oxygenation due to heart defects. This symptom is especially prominent in cyanotic congenital heart diseases.
C) This option is incorrect. Persistent cough and recurrent respiratory infections may be related to respiratory issues but are not specific early symptoms of congenital heart diseases.
D) This option is incorrect. Excessive weight gain and a rapid growth rate are not typical early symptoms of congenital heart diseases.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Correct answer. Gestational diabetes is associated with an increased risk of congenital heart diseases in the baby. Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy can affect fetal development and increase the likelihood of birth defects, including heart defects.
B) This option is incorrect. While preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication, it is not specifically linked to an increased risk of congenital heart diseases.
C) This option is incorrect. Hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid gland during pregnancy, may pose risks to both the mother and baby, but it is not directly associated with congenital heart diseases.
D) This option is incorrect. Iron deficiency anemia can affect maternal and fetal health, but it is not considered a risk factor for congenital heart diseases.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) This option is incorrect. While heart murmurs can be common and innocent in children, a harsh, loud, and continuous heart murmur requires further evaluation.
B) This option is incorrect. A harsh, loud, and continuous heart murmur is not a normal finding and should be assessed for potential congenital heart diseases.
C) Correct answer. The presence of a harsh, loud, and continuous heart murmur in a child with recurrent respiratory infections is
concerning for potential congenital heart diseases. It may indicate an abnormal blood flow within the heart, which warrants further evaluation and diagnosis.
D) This option is incorrect. Heart murmurs that are harsh, loud, and continuous are not considered benign and require further evaluation and monitoring.
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