A nurse is teaching nursing students the physiology of congenital heart defects. Which defect results in decreased pulmonary blood flow?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Tetralogy of Fallot results in decreased blood flow to the lungs. The pulmonic stenosis increases the pressure in the right ventricle, causing the blood to go from right to left across the ventricular septal defect. Atrial and ventricular septal defects and patent ductus arteriosus result in increased pulmonary blood flow.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In pediatric cardiovascular nursing, understanding the rationale behind dietary recommendations for children on specific medications like furosemide (Lasix) is crucial. The correct answer is option B) Potassium. Explanation of why Potassium is right: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes the excretion of water and electrolytes, including potassium. Potassium depletion can be a side effect of furosemide use. Therefore, it is essential to consume potassium-rich foods like bananas, oranges, and leafy vegetables to replenish potassium levels and prevent hypokalemia, which can lead to adverse cardiac effects. Explanation of why others are wrong: A) Chlorides: While furosemide may affect chloride levels, the primary concern with furosemide use in this context is potassium depletion. C) Sodium: Furosemide actually promotes the excretion of sodium, so increasing sodium intake would not address the potential electrolyte imbalance caused by the medication. D) Vitamins: While vitamins are essential for overall health, the specific concern with furosemide use in this case is potassium depletion, not vitamin deficiency. Educational context: Educating families on the importance of potassium-rich foods when a child is taking furosemide helps ensure optimal medication effectiveness and reduces the risk of adverse effects. Understanding the rationale behind dietary recommendations empowers caregivers to actively participate in their child's care and promotes better outcomes in pediatric cardiovascular management.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery, the body temperature may increase to 37.7° C (100° F) as part of the inflammatory response to tissue trauma. If the temperature is higher or continues after this period, it is most likely a sign of an infection and immediate investigation is indicated. Blankets should be removed from the child to keep the temperature from increasing. Hypothermia blanket is not indicated for this level of temperature. The temperature should be recorded, but the physician must be notified for evaluation. Suctioning should be done only as indicated, not on a routine basis. The child should be suctioned for no more than 5 seconds at one time. Symptoms of respiratory distress are avoided by using appropriate technique.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Osler nodes are red, painful, intradermal nodes found on pads of the phalanges in bacterial endocarditis. Janeway lesions are painless hemorrhagic areas on palms and soles in bacterial endocarditis. Subcutaneous odules are nontender swellings, located over bony prominences, commonly found in rheumatic fever. Aschoff nodules are small nodules composed of cells and leukocytes found in the interstitial tissues of the heart in rheumatic myocarditis

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Nurses have a role in prevention—primarily in screening school-age children for sore throats caused by group A β-hemolytic streptococci. They can achieve this by actively participating in throat culture screening or by referring children with possible streptococcal sore throats for testing. Cholesterol and blood pressure screenings do not facilitate the recognition and treatment of group A β-hemolytic streptococci. Salicylates should be avoided routinely because of the risk of Reye syndrome after viral illnesses.