Nick was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Which of the following responses should the nurse educate his parents regarding the treatment of this disease?
Surgery is a palliative measure. The patient will require a heart transplant
The surgeon will create an opening between the atria and ventricles to allow oxygenated blood flow to the body. He should be cured with this simple surgery
This problem is caused by the displacement of the pulmonary artery and aortic artery. Surgery will be performed to put these arteries back in place.
His condition will improve greatly after we give him prostaglandin.
The Correct Answer is A
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome is a complex congenital heart defect in which the left side of the heart (left ventricle and aorta) is underdeveloped, making it unable to pump oxygenated blood effectively to the body. The treatment of HLHS typically involves a series of surgical interventions because it cannot be cured with a single surgery. The ultimate goal of treatment is to provide palliative care, which means managing the condition to improve the child's quality of life while waiting for a heart transplant. The surgical procedures are typically performed in stages, with the first surgery usually performed shortly after birth, followed by additional surgeries as the child grows.
Option B is not accurate because HLHS cannot be cured with a single surgery, and creating an opening between the atria and ventricles (e.g., the Norwood procedure) is one step in the staged surgical treatment, but it doesn't completely "cure" the condition.
Option C is not accurate because HLHS is primarily characterized by an underdeveloped left ventricle and aorta, not the displacement of the pulmonary and aortic arteries.
Option D refers to the use of prostaglandin to maintain a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and improve blood flow to the lungs, which can be part of the initial management of HLHS but is not a definitive treatment. Prostaglandin is used to stabilize the infant before surgical interventions are performed.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The symptoms described, including vomiting, coughing, and looking flushed, are concerning for a potentially severe allergic reaction, which can be life-threatening. This could be indicative of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
Administering CPR (Option D) is not appropriate at this point unless the child becomes unresponsive and stops breathing, which would be a very late sign of anaphylaxis. In such a situation, CPR would be necessary, but the primary focus should be on calling 911 and obtaining immediate medical assistance.
Option A, giving Benadryl, can be part of the treatment for an allergic reaction, but it should not be the first or only action taken in a severe allergic reaction. Immediate medical evaluation and potential administration of epinephrine are more critical.
Option B, recommending symptomatic treatment for the cough, is not appropriate in this situation. The priority is recognizing the potential severity of the allergic reaction and seeking immediate emergency care.
Therefore, the nurse should advise the mother to call 911 to ensure that the child receives prompt medical attention and assessment for anaphylaxis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Digoxin is a medication commonly used to treat heart failure and certain heart rhythm disorders. However, it has a narrow therapeutic window, and digoxin toxicity can occur if the drug accumulates in the body to excessive levels. One of the hallmark signs of digoxin toxicity is severe bradycardia, which means an abnormally slow heart rate. Bradycardia can result from the effects of digoxin on the electrical conduction system of the heart, leading to an irregular or slowed heartbeat.
While other symptoms can occur in digoxin toxicity, such as gastrointestinal symptoms (like nausea and vomiting), neurological symptoms (like confusion and visual disturbances), and even respiratory distress in severe cases, extreme bradycardia is a key and often life-threatening sign that requires immediate medical attention.
Constipation (A) and headache (C) can also occur as side effects of digoxin but are less specific to digoxin toxicity and may not be considered cardinal manifestations.
Respiratory distress (B) may occur if the bradycardia leads to inadequate cardiac output, causing pulmonary congestion, but it is not a primary or cardinal symptom of digoxin toxicity. Extreme bradycardia is typically the more immediate and prominent concern.
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