The vast majority of tumors originating from the heart are benign. Of the following, the MOST common pediatric cardiac tumors are

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding cardiovascular disorders, including cardiac tumors, is crucial for providing effective care. The correct answer, option B) rhabdomyomas, is the most common pediatric cardiac tumor. Rhabdomyomas are typically benign and often found in the heart, especially in infants. They are associated with tuberous sclerosis, a genetic disorder. Option A) fibromas are less common in pediatric cardiac tumors compared to rhabdomyomas. Fibromas are more frequently seen in older children and can cause structural issues in the heart. Option C) myxomas are more commonly seen in adults than in pediatric patients. They are primary cardiac tumors that arise from the endocardium. Option D) hemangiomas are vascular tumors but are not typically found in the heart. They are more commonly seen in the skin and liver in pediatric patients. Understanding the prevalence, characteristics, and associations of different cardiac tumors in pediatric patients is essential for nurses caring for children with cardiovascular disorders. Recognizing the most common types of tumors helps in early detection, appropriate management, and improving patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct match in this question is A) Tuberous sclerosis-Cardiac rhabdomyoma. Tuberous sclerosis is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of noncancerous tumors in multiple organs, including the heart. Cardiac rhabdomyomas are a type of tumor commonly seen in infants with tuberous sclerosis. This association is important to recognize for early diagnosis and management of cardiovascular complications in pediatric patients with tuberous sclerosis. Option B) WPW syndrome-SVT is incorrect because Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a cardiac condition characterized by an accessory pathway that can lead to supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), but the direct match here is not accurate for this question. Option C) Maternal SLE-Irreversible complete heart block is incorrect because systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can lead to congenital heart block in infants born to mothers with SLE, not necessarily irreversible complete heart block as stated in the option. Option D) Parvo B19-Roseola infectiosum is incorrect because Parvovirus B19 is associated with fifth disease (erythema infectiosum) and not with roseola infectiosum, which is usually caused by human herpesvirus 6. Understanding these associations is crucial for nurses caring for pediatric patients with cardiovascular disorders. Recognizing these relationships can aid in early identification, appropriate interventions, and improved outcomes for these vulnerable patients.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding the changes that occur in the cardiovascular (CVS) and respiratory systems at birth is crucial for providing optimal care to newborns. The correct answer is B) Increase in Oxygen concentration in Aorta. At birth, there is a significant transition in the CVS and respiratory systems. The closure of the fetal shunts, such as the ductus arteriosus and foramen ovale, leads to an increase in oxygen concentration in the aorta. This occurs because, during fetal life, the majority of oxygenated blood bypasses the lungs through these shunts, but at birth, when the lungs start functioning, oxygenated blood directly enters the systemic circulation through the aorta. Now, let's discuss why the other options are incorrect: A) Increase in pulmonary vascular resistance: This is not a change that occurs at birth. In fact, there is a decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance after birth to facilitate blood flow through the lungs for oxygenation. C) Increase in the right ventricular pressure: Right ventricular pressure actually decreases at birth as the resistance in the pulmonary circulation decreases and the left side of the heart takes over pumping oxygenated blood to the body. D) Reversal of flow through the ductus arteriosus: At birth, the ductus arteriosus constricts and eventually closes due to the increase in oxygen concentration in the aorta, stopping the flow of blood from the pulmonary artery to the aorta through this shunt. Understanding these physiological changes is essential for nurses caring for newborns with cardiovascular disorders. It helps in recognizing normal adaptations and identifying any abnormalities that may require intervention. By grasping these concepts, nurses can provide appropriate care and support to newborns during this critical transitional period.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Pulmonary Atresia. Closure of the ductus arteriosus is essential in fetal development to redirect blood flow away from the pulmonary circulation. In conditions like pulmonary atresia where there is absence of a pulmonary valve, closure of the ductus arteriosus will result in severe hypoxemia as blood cannot flow to the lungs for oxygenation. Option A) Coarctation of Aorta is a condition where there is a narrowing of the aorta, closure of the ductus arteriosus would not directly worsen this condition. Option B) TGA without VSD (Transposition of the great arteries without ventricular septal defect) is a condition where the aorta and pulmonary artery are switched. Closure of the ductus arteriosus may not significantly worsen this condition. Option D) Hypoplastic left heart is a condition where the left side of the heart is underdeveloped. Closure of the ductus arteriosus may not worsen this condition as it is mainly related to the left side of the heart. Understanding the impact of ductal closure in different cardiovascular conditions is crucial in pediatric nursing, especially in managing patients with complex congenital heart defects. Nurses need to be aware of how ductal closure can affect hemodynamics and oxygenation in these patients to provide appropriate care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In hypercyanotic spells in Tetralogy of Fallot, the correct answer is C) Right to left shunt increases. During a hypercyanotic spell, there is a sudden increase in the degree of right-to-left shunting of deoxygenated blood in the heart. This exacerbates cyanosis in the child due to decreased oxygen saturation levels in the systemic circulation. This happens due to a sudden increase in pulmonary vascular resistance, causing more blood to bypass the lungs and flow directly from the right side of the heart to the left side. Option A) Hypoxia is there - While hypoxia does occur during a hypercyanotic spell, it is a consequence of the increased right-to-left shunting and not the primary mechanism. Option B) Murmur disappears - The murmur may actually become louder during a hypercyanotic spell due to the increased flow of blood across the pulmonary stenosis. Option D) Acidosis occurs - Acidosis can occur as a result of tissue hypoxia during a hypercyanotic spell, but it is not directly related to the pathophysiology of the spell itself. Understanding the pathophysiology of hypercyanotic spells in Tetralogy of Fallot is crucial for pediatric nurses caring for these patients. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a hypercyanotic spell and understanding the appropriate interventions can be life-saving. Nurses must be prepared to act quickly to alleviate the spell and stabilize the child's condition to prevent long-term complications.