A nurse is assessing a toddler diagnosed with congenital heart disease. Which symptom should the nurse prioritize as a sign of heart failure in children?
"Decreased appetite and difficulty sleeping"
"Rapid growth and development milestones achieved ahead of schedule"
"Decreased heart rate and low blood pressure"
"Frequent episodes of irritability and excessive crying"
The Correct Answer is A
A) Correct answer. Decreased appetite and difficulty sleeping are common signs of heart failure in children with congenital heart diseases. Heart failure can lead to poor circulation, decreased cardiac output, and inadequate oxygenation, resulting in reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping due to increased effort in breathing.
B) This option is incorrect. Rapid growth and development milestones achieved ahead of schedule are not indicative of heart failure in children with congenital heart diseases.
C) This option is incorrect. Decreased heart rate and low blood pressure may be signs of cardiovascular compromise, but they are not specific to heart failure.
D) This option is incorrect. Frequent episodes of irritability and excessive crying may be present in infants with heart defects, but they are not specific to heart failure in toddlers.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) This option is incorrect. Family history of congenital heart diseases is a significant risk factor. If a close family member has had a congenital heart defect, the risk of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies may be higher.
B) Correct answer. Exposure to certain infections during pregnancy, such as rubella (German measles), can increase the risk of congenital heart diseases in the baby. Rubella is known to be teratogenic, meaning it can cause birth defects.
C) This option is incorrect. While a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy is important for overall maternal and fetal health, it is not the primary risk factor for congenital heart diseases.
D) This option is incorrect. While genetic factors play a significant role in the etiology of congenital heart diseases, there are other identifiable risk factors, as mentioned in option B.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Correct answer. Weight gain and edema in the lower extremities can be signs of worsening heart failure in children with congenital heart defects. Fluid retention occurs due to the heart's inability to effectively pump blood, leading to fluid accumulation in the body.
B) This option is incorrect. While decreased heart rate and blood pressure within the normal range may be indicative of stable heart function, they are not specific indicators of worsening heart failure.
C) This option is incorrect. Improved appetite and increased physical activity level are positive indicators but do not specifically reflect the child's heart failure status.
D) This option is incorrect. Resolution of cyanosis and pink coloration of the lips and nail beds are positive signs of improved oxygenation and may indicate effective management of the heart defect but not the potential worsening of heart failure.
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