The nurse is caring for a patient who gave birth to an infant with a congenital heart anomaly. The patient asks the nurse when such anomalies occur during development. Which response by the nurse is most accurate?
"it depends on what caused the defect."
"They usually occur in the first 2 weeks of development."
"We don't really know when such defects occur."
"They occur between the third and eighth weeks of development."
The Correct Answer is D
A. "It depends on what caused the defect" is incorrect because while risk factors may vary, the critical period for heart development is well-established. Heart formation occurs during a specific window in fetal development, regardless of the cause.
B. "They usually occur in the first 2 weeks of development" is incorrect because the first two weeks after fertilization (the pre-embryonic period) involve cellular proliferation and implantation, not organ formation. Heart structures have not yet developed during this period.
C. "We don't really know when such defects occur" is incorrect because the timing of congenital heart development is well-documented. Most defects arise during a defined embryonic period.
D. "They occur between the third and eighth weeks of development" is correct. The heart begins forming in the third week after fertilization, and most major structural cardiac development occurs by the eighth week. Exposure to teratogens, maternal illnesses, or genetic factors during this period can lead to congenital heart defects.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Coarctation of the Aorta is incorrect because this defect causes obstruction of blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. It is a pressure load problem (left ventricular hypertension) rather than a left-to-right shunt, and it does not primarily increase pulmonary blood flow.
B. Tetralogy of Fallot is incorrect because this is a cyanotic defect characterized by right-to-left shunting due to pulmonary stenosis and a VSD. Pulmonary blood flow is often decreased rather than increased.
C. Transposition of the Great Arteries is incorrect because this is a cyanotic defect in which the aorta arises from the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery from the left ventricle, resulting in parallel circulation. Pulmonary blood flow is not increased by a left-to-right shunt.
D. Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) is correct because it is a acyanotic defect that allows blood to flow from the left ventricle (higher pressure) to the right ventricle (lower pressure). This left-to-right shunt increases pulmonary blood flow, which can lead to symptoms such as tachypnea, poor weight gain, and frequent respiratory infections. VSDs are the most common congenital heart defect in infants.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Enlargement of the testes and scrotum with the appearance of pubic hair is characteristic of Tanner stage 2, which marks the early stages of puberty. This is when initial changes in the genitalia and pubic hair begin.
B. Penile enlargement and deepening of the voice is correct because these changes occur during Tanner stage 3, representing continued pubertal development. Stage 3 includes further growth of the penis, continued enlargement of the testes, increased pubic hair that is darker and coarser, and the beginning of voice changes.
C. Increased muscle mass and facial hair growth is incorrect because these changes are more characteristic of Tanner stage 4–5, the later stages of puberty, when secondary sexual characteristics become more pronounced.
D. Full development of genitalia and the growth of axillary hair is incorrect because this represents Tanner stage 5, which indicates full sexual maturity and adult genital development.
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