Which medication should the nurse give to a child diagnosed with transposition of the great vessels?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the case of a child diagnosed with transposition of the great vessels, the correct medication to administer is Prostaglandin E (option C). This medication helps maintain a patent ductus arteriosus, which is essential in this condition to allow mixing of oxygenated and unoxygenated blood. Ibuprofen (option A) and Betamethasone (option B) are not appropriate for this condition. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and Betamethasone is a corticosteroid. These medications do not address the specific physiological needs of a child with transposition of the great vessels. Indocin (option D) is also not the correct choice. Indocin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug similar to ibuprofen and would not be effective in managing the specific cardiac issue present in transposition of the great vessels. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind the choice of Prostaglandin E in this scenario enhances a nurse's pharmacological knowledge in pediatric cardiovascular disorders. It reinforces the importance of selecting medications that directly target the underlying pathophysiology of a patient's condition to provide effective and appropriate care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this question about venous hum in pediatric cardiovascular disorders, the correct answer is B) grades louder with mane compression. The venous hum is a benign vascular sound commonly found in healthy children. It is typically heard as a continuous murmur in the infraclavicular region. It is mostly grade l-lll or VI in the supine position and disappears or diminishes with changes in the position of the jugular vein. Option A is incorrect because a venous hum is indeed a continuous murmur heard in the infraclavicular region. Option C is also incorrect because the grading of the venous hum can vary from l-lll or even VI depending on the individual patient and their specific condition. Option D is incorrect because changes in the position of the jugular vein can influence the presence or intensity of a venous hum. Educationally, understanding the characteristics of vascular sounds like the venous hum is crucial for pediatric nurses to differentiate normal findings from abnormal ones. This knowledge helps in providing accurate assessments and appropriate care for pediatric patients with cardiovascular disorders.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding cardiovascular disorders is crucial for providing quality care to infants. The correct answer to the question is A) d-Transposition. In the first month of life, d-Transposition of the great arteries is the most common cause of death from associated cardiac lesions without heart syndrome. This is because d-Transposition results in a complete mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood without any communication between the systemic and pulmonary circulations. This leads to severe hypoxemia and metabolic acidosis, which can be fatal if not corrected promptly. Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (Option B) is a severe congenital heart defect, but it usually presents in the first few days or weeks of life and often leads to death if not surgically corrected. Pulmonary atresia (Option C) and truncus arteriosus (Option D) are also serious congenital heart defects but are less common causes of death in the first month of life compared to d-Transposition. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing the most common causes of mortality in infants with cardiac lesions. It emphasizes the need for early detection, prompt intervention, and specialized care in managing cardiovascular disorders in the pediatric population. Understanding these distinctions is vital for nurses caring for infants with congenital heart defects to ensure timely and appropriate interventions to improve outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding cardiovascular disorders is crucial for providing effective care to young patients. In this question, the correct answer is B) truncus arteriosus. Increased pulmonary markings or pulmonary blood flow is a characteristic finding in truncus arteriosus due to the single arterial trunk arising from the heart, leading to increased blood flow to the lungs. A) Pulmonary atresia involves a complete blockage of the pulmonary valve, resulting in decreased pulmonary blood flow, opposite to the presented symptom. C) Tetralogy of Fallot is characterized by decreased pulmonary blood flow due to a ventricular septal defect and overriding aorta, leading to cyanosis rather than increased pulmonary markings. D) Tricuspid atresia is associated with decreased pulmonary blood flow because of the underdeveloped right ventricle and lack of tricuspid valve function. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing key clinical manifestations of pediatric cardiovascular disorders to make accurate assessments and provide appropriate interventions. Understanding these distinctions is essential for nurses caring for pediatric patients with congenital heart conditions.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is D) hypertension. Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) is a medication commonly used in pediatric patients with congenital heart defects to maintain patency of the ductus arteriosus. The major side effects of PGE1 include apnea, fever, and cutaneous flushing. Apnea can occur as a result of the respiratory center being affected by PGE1. Fever is a common side effect due to the pyrogenic properties of prostaglandins. Cutaneous flushing is caused by vasodilation mediated by prostaglandins. Hypertension is not a major side effect of PGE1. In fact, PGE1 is known to cause vasodilation and can lead to hypotension rather than hypertension. It is important for pediatric nurses to be aware of the side effects of medications used in the management of cardiovascular disorders to provide safe and effective care to their patients.