The nurse finds that an infant has stronger pulses in the upper extremities than in the lower extremities and higher blood pressure readings in the arms than in the legs.This could be indicative of which heart defect?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Coarctation of the aorta is a narrowing of the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This causes higher blood pressure in the upper extremities and weaker pulses in the lower extremities. This is due to the fact that the blood flow is obstructed, and the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the narrowed area. The other heart defects listed do not typically present with this particular set of symptoms.

The Nurse Finds That an Infant Has Stronger Pulses in the Upper