The registered nurse is discussing care of an infant diagnosed with a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with a nursing student. The registered nurse determines that the nursing student needs further teaching regarding a PDA when the student states that which circulatory change is a characteristic of this disorder?
This shunting allows oxygenated and unoxygenated blood to mix.
Blood is shunted to the right side of the heart.
This shunting results in increased pulmonary blood flow.
Blood is shunted to the left side of the heart.
The Correct Answer is D
A. "This shunting allows oxygenated and unoxygenated blood to mix."
Explanation: This statement is correct. In PDA, the shunting of blood between the aorta and pulmonary artery allows oxygenated and unoxygenated blood to mix, leading to decreased oxygen saturation in the systemic circulation.
B. "Blood is shunted to the right side of the heart."
Explanation: This statement is correct. In PDA, blood is shunted from the left side of the heart (aorta) to the right side of the heart (pulmonary artery).
C. "This shunting results in increased pulmonary blood flow."
Explanation: This statement is correct. PDA leads to increased pulmonary blood flow as a result of the shunting of blood from the aorta to the pulmonary artery.
D. "Blood is shunted to the left side of the heart."
Explanation:
A patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart defect where the ductus arteriosus, a fetal blood vessel that normally closes shortly after birth, remains open. In PDA, blood is shunted from the aorta (left side of the heart) to the pulmonary artery (right side of the heart), resulting in increased pulmonary blood flow. Therefore, the correct statement is that "Blood is shunted to the right side of the heart."

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Ribbon-like stools
Explanation: Ribbon-like or pencil-thin stools are associated with conditions affecting the rectum, such as colorectal cancer, but they are not a typical sign of intussusception.
B. Profuse projectile vomiting
Explanation: Profuse projectile vomiting is not a typical sign of intussusception. Vomiting may occur, but it is not the primary characteristic feature.
C. Bright red blood and mucus in the stools
Explanation:
Intussusception is a condition in which one part of the intestine slides into another, causing a blockage. One of the classic signs of intussusception is the presence of "currant jelly" stools, which are characterized by a mixture of bright red blood and mucus in the stools. This occurs due to the compression of the blood vessels in the intestine, leading to bleeding and mucosal discharge.
D. Watery diarrhea
Explanation: Watery diarrhea is not a typical sign of intussusception. The condition is more commonly associated with abdominal pain, vomiting, and the characteristic "currant jelly" stools.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A highly pruritic profuse macule to papule rash on the trunk
Explanation: This description does not fit the typical characteristics of erythema infectiosum. Fifth disease is not typically associated with a highly pruritic rash.
B. A discrete pinkish red maculopapular rash that is spreading to the trunk
Explanation: While erythema infectiosum does involve a rash that can spread to the trunk, the distinctive "slapped face" appearance is a key characteristic that is not captured in this option.
C. An erythema on the face that has a "slapped face" appearance.
Explanation:
Erythema infectiosum, commonly known as fifth disease or slapped cheek syndrome, is characterized by a distinctive facial rash that gives the appearance of a "slapped face." The rash typically starts on the face and then spreads to the trunk and extremities. It often begins with erythema on the cheeks, giving the child a flushed or slapped appearance, followed by a discrete rose-pink maculopapular rash on the trunk.
D. A discrete rose-pink maculopapular rash on the trunk
Explanation: This description fits the typical characteristics of the rash seen in erythema infectiosum, but the key identifier is the "slapped face" appearance on the face.

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