A nurse is assessing a child with an unrepaired ventricular septal defect. Which heart sound does the nurse expect to assess?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a congenital heart defect characterized by a hole in the septum that separates the heart's two lower chambers (ventricles). When assessing a child with an unrepaired VSD, the nurse would expect to hear a murmur. The murmur is typically described as a harsh, holosystolic (pansystolic) murmur, best heard at the left lower sternal border. This murmur occurs due to the turbulent blood flow across the defect during systole. It is important for the nurse to recognize this characteristic murmur associated with a VSD to facilitate appropriate management and follow-up care for the child.
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