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. "I'll check my child's temperature."
Explanation: Monitoring the child's temperature is a general indicator of well-being and can help identify signs of infection or other postoperative concerns.
B. "I'll give medication so that my child will be comfortable."
Explanation: Administering prescribed medication for comfort is a suitable practice to manage postoperative pain or discomfort.
C. "I'll check my child's voiding to be sure there's no problem."
Explanation:
After an orchiopexy procedure, checking voiding may not be directly related to the surgical intervention. Orchiopexy is a procedure to correct cryptorchidism, which involves repositioning an undescended testicle into the scrotum. While monitoring for general signs of well-being is important, specifically checking voiding might not be directly relevant to the surgical recovery process.
D. "I'll let my child decide when to return to play activities."
Explanation: Allowing the child to gradually resume play activities based on their comfort and recovery is a reasonable approach, considering individual variations in recovery times.
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