Which heart defect should the nurse suspect for an infant whose upper extremities have stronger pulses than the lower extremities and blood pressure is higher in the arms than in the legs?
A) Transposition of the great vessels
B) Patent ductus arteriosus
C) Coarctation of the aorta
D) Atrial septal defect

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Coarctation of the aorta is a narrowing of the aortic arch or descending aorta that can result in weaker pulses and lower blood pressure in the lower extremities. This can cause the upper extremities to have stronger pulses and higher blood pressure in the arms than in the legs. Transposition of the great vessels and atrial septal defect would not cause this specific symptom, and while patent ductus arteriosus can cause differences in blood pressure, it would not cause differences in pulse strength.

Which Heart Defect Should the Nurse Suspect for an Infant