The mother of a child with a congenital cardiac defect asks the nurse why her child squats after exertion. The nurse should reply that this position:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The position of squatting after exertion increases cardiac efficiency in children with congenital cardiac defects, specifically those with Tetralogy of Fallot. By squatting, the child decreases systemic vascular resistance and increases systemic venous return, which helps to enhance cardiac output by improving blood flow to the lungs. This position allows for better oxygenation of the blood and helps alleviate cyanosis in children with Tetralogy of Fallot.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Type I DM, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, is characterized mainly by insulin deficiency. In this type of diabetes, the pancreas produces little to no insulin, which is essential for regulating blood glucose levels. Therefore, individuals with type I DM require lifelong insulin therapy to manage their condition. Unlike type II DM, which is associated with insulin resistance, type I DM is not preventable through lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise alone. It is crucial for the nurse to educate the family about the importance of insulin therapy, monitoring blood glucose levels, carbohydrate counting, and responding to hypoglycemic episodes in caring for their 7-year-old with type I DM.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) is a non-specific marker for inflammation and can be elevated in conditions like rheumatic fever. A decrease in ESR suggests a reduction in the inflammatory response in the body, indicating an improvement in the condition. While the other parameters (WBC count, ASOT, and hemoglobin level) may be affected in rheumatic fever, a decrease in ESR is a more direct indicator of improvement in the inflammatory process associated with the disease.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The diagnosis of congenital heart disease is most commonly done through an echocardiogram, which is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart's structure and function. This imaging technique allows healthcare providers to visualize any abnormalities in the heart's structure and how it is functioning. While cardiac catheterization and chest x-ray with ECG can also provide valuable information, an echocardiogram is the primary diagnostic tool for identifying congenital heart defects due to its accuracy, safety, and non-invasiveness.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The suture separating the parietal bones at the top center of a newborn's head is called the sagittal suture. This suture runs along the top of the skull from front to back, connecting the two parietal bones. It is one of the major cranial sutures that allows for the flexibility and growth of the skull during infancy and childhood.