Congenital Heart Defects in Children
Congenital Heart Defects in Children ( 20 Questions)
The nurse hears a harsh holosystolic murmur that is best heard at the left lower sternal border during auscultation.
Which of the following statements should the client make to the nurse?
"I have been feeling very tired lately and I am unable to eat properly.”. This choice does not address the specific symptoms associated with a Ventricular septal defect (VSD) and is not the best response to the nurse's findings. While tiredness and poor feeding may be related to heart failure, it does not directly reflect the symptoms associated with VSD, such as breathlessness and sweating with exertion.
"I have been experiencing shortness of breath and rapid weight gain.”. This is The correct answer. The symptoms of shortness of breath and rapid weight gain align with the typical presentation of a VSD. VSD can lead to heart failure, which results in fluid retention, manifesting as rapid weight gain, and shortness of breath due to congestion in the lungs.
"I have been feeling dizzy and fainting frequently.”. This choice describes symptoms that can be related to various health issues, but it doesn't directly correlate with the characteristic signs of VSD. The primary symptoms in VSD are related to heart failure, and while dizziness and fainting can occur with severe heart issues, they are not the primary indicators in this case.
"I have been having severe chest pain and palpitations.”. This response does not align with the typical symptoms of VSD. While palpitations can be associated with heart issues, chest pain is not a common symptom of VSD.
Choice A rationale:
"I have been feeling very tired lately and I am unable to eat properly.”.
This choice does not address the specific symptoms associated with a Ventricular septal defect (VSD) and is not the best response to the nurse's findings.
While tiredness and poor feeding may be related to heart failure, it does not directly reflect the symptoms associated with VSD, such as breathlessness and sweating with exertion.
Choice B rationale:
"I have been experiencing shortness of breath and rapid weight gain.”.
This is The correct answer.
The symptoms of shortness of breath and rapid weight gain align with the typical presentation of a VSD.
VSD can lead to heart failure, which results in fluid retention, manifesting as rapid weight gain, and shortness of breath due to congestion in the lungs.
Choice C rationale:
"I have been feeling dizzy and fainting frequently.”.
This choice describes symptoms that can be related to various health issues, but it doesn't directly correlate with the characteristic signs of VSD.
The primary symptoms in VSD are related to heart failure, and while dizziness and fainting can occur with severe heart issues, they are not the primary indicators in this case.
Choice D rationale:
"I have been having severe chest pain and palpitations.”.
This response does not align with the typical symptoms of VSD.
While palpitations can be associated with heart issues, chest pain is not a common symptom of VSD.