Author Question: Which is an expected assessment finding in a child with coarctation of the aorta? a. Orthostatic ... (Read 82 times)

stevenposner · **on:** Jun 27, 2018

Which is an expected assessment finding in a child with coarctation of the aorta?

a. Orthostatic hypotension
b. Systolic hypertension in the lower extremities
c. Blood pressure higher on the left side of the body
d. Disparity in blood pressure between the upper and lower extremities

Question 2

The nurse assessing a premature newborn infant auscultates a continuous machinery-like murmur. This finding is associated with which congenital heart defect?

a. Pulmonary stenosis
b. Patent ductus arteriosus
c. Ventricular septal defect
d. Coarctation of the aorta

coyin · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
The classic finding in children with coarctation of the aorta is a disparity in pulses and blood pressures between the upper and lower extremities. Orthostatic hypotension is not present with coarctation of the aorta. Systolic hypertension may be detected in the upper extremities. The left arm may not accurately reflect systolic hypertension because the left subclavian artery can be involved in the coarctation.

Answer to Question 2

B
The classic murmur associated with patent ductus arteriosus is a machinery-like one that can be heard throughout both systole and diastole. A systolic ejection murmur that may be accompanied by a palpable thrill is a manifestation of pulmonary stenosis. The characteristic murmur associated with ventricular septal defect is a loud, harsh holosystolic murmur. A systolic murmur that is accompanied by an ejection click may be heard on auscultation when coarctation of the aorta is present.