Pediatric NCLEX Questions Related

Review Pediatric NCLEX Questions related questions and content

The nurse is aware that a common physiologic adaptation of children with tetralogy of Fallot is:

  • A. Clubbing of fingers
  • B. Slow, irregular respirations
  • C. Subcutaneous hemorrhages
  • D. Decreased red blood cell count
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Clubbing of fingers is a common physiologic adaptation seen in children with tetralogy of Fallot. Clubbing is the result of chronic hypoxia and decreased oxygen levels in the blood. In children with tetralogy of Fallot, there is a structural defect in the heart that leads to mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood in the heart and decreased oxygenation of the blood circulating to the body. This chronic hypoxia can cause clubbing of the fingers, where the tips of the fingers appear enlarged and the nails are rounded. Therefore, clubbing of fingers is a key sign to monitor in children with tetralogy of Fallot.