The nurse is caring for an infant diagnosed with "failure to thrive." The nurse observes the physician taking blood pressures in all four extremities and recognizes that the physician suspects which congenital cardiac defect?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Coarctation of the aorta can cause decreased blood flow to the lower body, possibly leading to "failure to thrive." Checking blood pressures in all four extremities can help diagnose coarctation of the aorta as there may be a significant difference in blood pressure readings between the upper and lower extremities. Tetralogy of Fallot, ventricular septal defect, and pulmonary atresia are congenital cardiac defects that do not typically present with decreased blood flow to the lower body as a symptom.

The Nurse Is Caring for an Infant Diagnosed with "Failure