The nurse is caring for a newly-admitted infant diagnosed with "failure to thrive." The nurse begins to implement the healthcare provider prescribed orders by taking blood pressures in all four extremities. Which congenital cardiac defect does the nurse anticipate based on the prescribed order?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Coarctation of the aorta can lead to decreased blood flow to the lower extremities and decreased blood pressure in the lower extremities. Taking blood pressures in all four extremities can help identify this defect. Tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary atresia are typically diagnosed by echocardiogram, while a ventricular septal defect may result in a murmur but does not necessarily require blood pressure measurements in all four extremities.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Newly-Admitted Infant Diagnosed with "Failure