Pediatric HESI 2024 Related

Review Pediatric HESI 2024 related questions and content

Congenital heart defects have traditionally been divided into acyanotic or cyanotic defects. Based on the nurse's knowledge of congenital heart defects, this system in clinical practice is

  • A. helpful because it explains the hemodynamics involved
  • B. helpful because children with cyanotic defects are easily identified
  • C. problematic because cyanosis is rarely present in children
  • D. problematic because children with acyanotic heart defects may develop cyanosis
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The classification system of congenital heart defects into acyanotic or cyanotic defects is problematic because children with acyanotic heart defects may develop cyanosis, complicating the differentiation. Cyanosis can occur in some acyanotic defects due to various reasons such as right-to-left shunting or decreased pulmonary blood flow, making the classification based solely on cyanosis misleading. Choice A is incorrect because while the classification may involve hemodynamics, the main issue lies in the potential for acyanotic defects to develop cyanosis. Choice B is incorrect as the ease of identifying children with cyanotic defects does not address the main problem with the classification system. Choice C is also incorrect as the presence of cyanosis is not the only factor determining the classification's validity.