Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital Heart Disease ( 40 Questions)
A nurse is assessing a school-age child with a congenital heart defect. Which symptom should the nurse recognize as a potential indicator of worsening heart failure?
Correct answer. Weight gain and edema in the lower extremities can be signs of worsening heart failure in children with congenital heart defects. Fluid retention occurs due to the heart's inability to effectively pump blood, leading to fluid accumulation in the body.
This option is incorrect. While decreased heart rate and blood pressure within the normal range may be indicative of stable heart function, they are not specific indicators of worsening heart failure.
This option is incorrect. Improved appetite and increased physical activity level are positive indicators but do not specifically reflect the child's heart failure status.
This option is incorrect. Resolution of cyanosis and pink coloration of the lips and nail beds are positive signs of improved oxygenation and may indicate effective management of the heart defect but not the potential worsening of heart failure.
A) Correct answer. Weight gain and edema in the lower extremities can be signs of worsening heart failure in children with congenital heart defects. Fluid retention occurs due to the heart's inability to effectively pump blood, leading to fluid accumulation in the body.
B) This option is incorrect. While decreased heart rate and blood pressure within the normal range may be indicative of stable heart function, they are not specific indicators of worsening heart failure.
C) This option is incorrect. Improved appetite and increased physical activity level are positive indicators but do not specifically reflect the child's heart failure status.
D) This option is incorrect. Resolution of cyanosis and pink coloration of the lips and nail beds are positive signs of improved oxygenation and may indicate effective management of the heart defect but not the potential worsening of heart failure.