Of the following, the MOST common clinical sign of coarctation of the aorta in older children is
- A. cardiac enlargement
- B. notching of the inferior border of the ribs
- C. a systolic ejection click or thrill in the suprasternal notch
- D. differential blood pressure: arms > legs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Notching of the ribs due to collateral circulation is a classic sign of coarctation of the aorta.
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A 6-month-old presents with tachycardia, tachypnea, and poor feeding for 3 months. Physical examination reveals a continuous machinery murmur and a wide pulse pressure with a prominent apical impulse. The most likely diagnosis is
- A. pulmonic stenosis
- B. aortic stenosis
- C. ventricular septal defect
- D. patent ductus arteriosus
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Patent ductus arteriosus causes a continuous machinery murmur and wide pulse pressure.
A 2-month-old male presents with tachycardia, dyspnea, tachypnea, and a gallop rhythm with no heart murmur. He was perfectly well until 1 day prior to the episode. The physical examination reveals a heart rate of 235, a temperature of 37.8°C, and a normal blood pressure with warm, well-perfused extremities. The most likely diagnosis is
- A. sepsis
- B. supraventricular tachycardia
- C. ingestion
- D. ventricular tachycardia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Supraventricular tachycardia can cause rapid heart rates and heart failure in infants.
The following drugs are contraindicated in renal failure:
- A. Nitrofurantoin
- B. Carbamazepine
- C. Salbutamol
- D. Metolazone
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nitrofurantoin is contraindicated in renal failure due to the risk of accumulation and subsequent toxicity, as the kidneys are unable to excrete the drug effectively.
Which is the most appropriate nursing action related to the administration of digoxin (Lanoxin) to an infant?
- A. Counting the apical rate for 30 seconds before administering the medication
- B. Withholding a dose if the apical heart rate is less than 100 beats/min
- C. Repeating a dose if the child vomits within 30 minutes of the previous dose
- D. Checking respiratory rate and blood pressure before each dose
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: As a rule, if the pulse rate of an infant is below 100 beats/min, the medication is withheld and the physician is notified.
All the following are true regarding coarctation of the aorta EXCEPT
- A. notching of ribs is noted
- B. doppler is useful for demonstrating severe obstruction
- C. diagnostic catheterization is mandatory before surgery
- D. CT and MRI are valuable noninvasive tools for evaluation when the echocardiogram is equivocal
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Diagnostic catheterization is not always mandatory before surgery for coarctation of the aorta.