A nurse is assessing an infant who has Tetralogy of Fallot. Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse expect?

Select all that apply.

Findings that require immediate follow-up:

• Generalized muscle weakness noted in bilateral lower extremities: This could indicate a neurological or muscular issue, such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), which is a concern after a viral infection or vaccination. This requires further investigation and close monitoring for any signs of progression, such as worsening weakness or respiratory involvement.
• Child reports pain in legs on palpation, rates pain as 5 on a scale of 0 to 10: This pain could be indicative of muscle cramping or weakness, which may be associated with GBS or another neurological condition. Pain in combination with muscle weakness should be followed up closely.
• Abdomen slightly firm, bowel sounds hypoactive, and reports last bowel movement was 3 days ago: This could suggest constipation or a gastrointestinal issue. However, the gastrointestinal symptoms may be secondary to the muscle weakness (if part of a systemic condition like GBS), and should be monitored, but it’s not as urgent as the neurological findings.

Findings that do not require immediate follow-up:

• Patellar deep tendon reflexes 1+ bilaterally: A 1+ reflex is on the lower end of normal and does not indicate a severe problem by itself.
• Child is awake and alert, responds appropriately to questions: This is a reassuring sign and does not require immediate follow-up.

A. "Bounding peripheral pulses." Bounding pulses are not characteristic of Tetralogy of Fallot. Instead, pulses may be normal or diminished, depending on the severity of the defect.
B. "Cyanotic spells." Tetralogy of Fallot causes decreased oxygenation, leading to periodic cyanotic episodes, particularly during crying or feeding ("tet spells").
C. "Stridor." Stridor is associated with upper airway obstructions, not cardiac defects like Tetralogy of Fallot.
D. "Anemia." Anemia is not a primary finding in Tetralogy of Fallot. Polycythemia (increased red blood cells) is more common due to chronic hypoxia.
E. "Heart murmur." A systolic murmur is common due to the pulmonary stenosis and ventricular septal defect associated with Tetralogy of Fallot.