The nurse is aware that a common physiologic adaptation of children with tetralogy of Fallot is:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Clubbing of fingers is a common physiologic adaptation seen in children with tetralogy of Fallot. Clubbing is the result of chronic hypoxia and decreased oxygen levels in the blood. In children with tetralogy of Fallot, there is a structural defect in the heart that leads to mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood in the heart and decreased oxygenation of the blood circulating to the body. This chronic hypoxia can cause clubbing of the fingers, where the tips of the fingers appear enlarged and the nails are rounded. Therefore, clubbing of fingers is a key sign to monitor in children with tetralogy of Fallot.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Corticosteroids, such as methylprednisolone, are commonly used in the treatment of lung diseases like emphysema to reduce airway inflammation. In conditions like emphysema, inflammation in the airways can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath and cough. Corticosteroids work by decreasing the inflammation in the airways, thereby helping to improve symptoms and slow down disease progression. By reducing inflammation, corticosteroids can also help to decrease mucus production and airway constriction, leading to improved lung function and overall respiratory health.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Osler nodes are painful, tender, pea-sized nodules that can appear on the pads of the fingers or toes and are associated with bacterial endocarditis. These nodules result from immune-complex deposition in the small blood vessels of the skin. They are not to be confused with Janeway lesions, which are painless, non-tender macules found on the palms and soles in infective endocarditis. Subcutaneous nodules are seen in conditions like rheumatic fever, while Aschoff nodes are characteristic of rheumatic fever involving the heart.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate intervention to decrease cardiac demands and minimize cardiac workload in children with heart disease is to schedule care to provide uninterrupted rest periods. By allowing the child to rest without interruptions, their heart will not have to work as hard, promoting better overall cardiac function. This intervention focuses on promoting rest and recovery, which is crucial for children with heart disease to maintain optimal cardiac health. Feeding the infant over long periods may not necessarily decrease cardiac demands, and allowing the infant to have her way to avoid conflict is not related to cardiac workload. Developing and implementing a consistent care plan is important but may not directly decrease cardiac demands as effectively as scheduling care for uninterrupted rest periods.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a condition where the hip joint does not develop normally. In infants, one of the signs of DDH is the presence of asymmetry of gluteal (buttock) and thigh folds. This is due to the dislocated or subluxed hip being positioned differently than the healthy hip. The nurse should look for this sign during the assessment of a 2-week-old infant to help identify potential hip joint problems early on. Excessive hip abduction, femoral lengthening of an affected leg, and pain when lying prone are not typical signs of DDH in a 2-week-old infant.