A nurse is discussing the prevalence of congenital heart diseases with a client. Which population should the nurse identify as having the highest risk for these conditions?

A) This option is incorrect. Frequent sweating during feedings is not a normal response to the increased workload of the baby's heart. It can indicate an underlying issue related to heart function.

B) This option is incorrect. While gastrointestinal discomfort may cause sweating during feedings, it is not the most likely explanation, especially in the context of congenital heart diseases.

C) This option is incorrect. Inability to regulate body temperature is not a common reason for sweating during feedings in infants with congenital heart diseases.

D) Correct answer. Excessive sweating during feedings can be a sign of increased cardiac effort and inadequate oxygen supply in some congenital heart diseases. This symptom may be present in babies with cyanotic heart defects, where oxygen-rich blood is not adequately circulated to the body, leading to compensatory mechanisms like sweating to maintain oxygen balance.

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.