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 what heart defect?
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 aorta which can cause higher blood pressure in the upper extremities and weaker pulses in the lower extremities. Transposition of the great vessels, patent ductus arteriosus, and atrial septal defect would not necessarily cause this pattern of pulse and blood pressure readings.

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