Burns Pediatric Primary Care Test Bank Related

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A baby that was born 5 minutes earlier is tachypneic, tachycardic, and markedly cyanotic. A STAT echocardiogram confirms the presence of a cyanotic congenital cardiac defect. Which of the following defects would be consistent with the assessment findings?

  • A. Patent ductus arteriosus
  • B. Transposition of the great vessels
  • C. Atrial septal defect
  • D. Ventricular septal defect
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Transposition of the great vessels is a cyanotic congenital heart defect where the aorta arises from the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery arises from the left ventricle. This results in two separate circulatory systems - one for oxygenated blood and another for deoxygenated blood. Due to this abnormal circulation, babies with transposition of the great vessels may present with severe cyanosis soon after birth. They can also develop tachypnea and tachycardia as compensatory mechanisms to maintain oxygen delivery. A STAT echocardiogram would confirm the diagnosis by showing the abnormal connection of the great vessels.