Pediatric CCRN Practice Questions Related

Review Pediatric CCRN Practice Questions related questions and content

Which of the following disorders leads to cyanosis from deoxygenated blood entering the systemic arterial circulation?

  • A. Aortic stenosis (AS)
  • B. Coarctation of aorta
  • C. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
  • D. Tetralogy of Fallot
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect characterized by four primary abnormalities: pulmonary stenosis, ventricular septal defect, overriding aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy. Due to the pulmonary stenosis, less blood reaches the lungs to be oxygenated, resulting in deoxygenated blood entering the systemic arterial circulation. This leads to cyanosis, which is often referred to as "Tet spells" in these patients. Cyanosis is the bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the presence of deoxygenated hemoglobin. The other conditions listed do not typically result in deoxygenated blood entering the systemic arterial circulation and causing cyanosis.