PCN 204 PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY
NURSING ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS
Explain the pathophysiology of congenital heart defects in children.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
Congenital heart defects occur when structural abnormalities develop during fetal growth,
affecting the normal flow of blood through the heart and major vessels. These defects may
involve septal openings, obstructive lesions, or abnormal connections. The pathophysiology
is rooted in genetic mutations, environmental factors, or maternal illnesses that alter
embryonic heart formation. As a result, children may experience mixing of oxygenated and
deoxygenated blood, leading to hypoxia, growth delays, and cardiac overload.
Discuss the nursing assessment for a child with suspected congenital heart disease.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
A comprehensive assessment includes reviewing antenatal history, feeding difficulties,
cyanosis, exercise intolerance, and recurrent respiratory infections. Physical examination
focuses on heart rate, murmurs, respiratory effort, and oxygen saturation. Nurses also assess
growth patterns such as weight gain and developmental milestones. Diagnostic evaluations
may include ECG, chest X-ray, and echocardiography to confirm structural abnormalities.
Describe the nursing management of cyanotic heart disease in infants.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
Management focuses on improving oxygenation and preventing complications such as
hypercyanotic spells. Nurses position the infant in a knee-chest posture during episodes to
enhance systemic vascular resistance. Supplemental oxygen may be used cautiously.
Hydration is maintained to reduce blood viscosity, and medications such as beta-blockers
may be given. Parents are educated on identifying warning signs and emergency care.
Explain Tetralogy of Fallot and its clinical manifestations.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
Tetralogy of Fallot consists of four defects: VSD, pulmonary stenosis, right ventricular
hypertrophy, and an overriding aorta. These alterations lead to reduced blood flow to the
lungs and mixing of blood, causing chronic cyanosis. Clinical signs include clubbing,
, squatting, dyspnea on exertion, and “tet spells.” Without intervention, children may
experience poor growth and high risk of complications.
Discuss nursing care during a “tet spell.”
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
During a tet spell, the nurse immediately places the child in a knee-chest position to increase
systemic resistance and improve oxygenation. Calm reassurance reduces agitation, which
worsens cyanosis. Oxygen therapy may be initiated, and morphine can be administered to
decrease respiratory drive. Close monitoring of vital signs and preparation for emergency
intervention is essential.
Describe the role of echocardiography in pediatric cardiology assessment.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
Echocardiography provides real-time images of the heart’s structures, helping clinicians
identify septal defects, valve abnormalities, and ventricular function. It is non-invasive and
well tolerated by children. Nurses prepare the child by explaining the procedure in age-
appropriate language to reduce anxiety. The results guide treatment planning and surgical
decisions.
Explain heart failure in children and its primary causes.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
Heart failure in children results from congenital heart defects, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias,
or acquired conditions like Kawasaki disease. Due to these abnormalities, the heart cannot
effectively pump blood to meet metabolic demands. Symptoms include tachycardia,
hepatomegaly, feeding intolerance, and poor weight gain. Early identification and treatment
prevent deterioration.
Discuss pharmacologic treatments for pediatric heart failure.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
Medications include diuretics to reduce fluid overload, ACE inhibitors to decrease afterload,
and digoxin to improve myocardial contractility. Nurses must monitor electrolyte balance,
apical pulse, and signs of toxicity. Family education is vital to ensure correct dosing and
adherence. Regular follow-ups evaluate treatment response.
Explain the complications of untreated congenital heart disease.
NURSING ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS
Explain the pathophysiology of congenital heart defects in children.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
Congenital heart defects occur when structural abnormalities develop during fetal growth,
affecting the normal flow of blood through the heart and major vessels. These defects may
involve septal openings, obstructive lesions, or abnormal connections. The pathophysiology
is rooted in genetic mutations, environmental factors, or maternal illnesses that alter
embryonic heart formation. As a result, children may experience mixing of oxygenated and
deoxygenated blood, leading to hypoxia, growth delays, and cardiac overload.
Discuss the nursing assessment for a child with suspected congenital heart disease.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
A comprehensive assessment includes reviewing antenatal history, feeding difficulties,
cyanosis, exercise intolerance, and recurrent respiratory infections. Physical examination
focuses on heart rate, murmurs, respiratory effort, and oxygen saturation. Nurses also assess
growth patterns such as weight gain and developmental milestones. Diagnostic evaluations
may include ECG, chest X-ray, and echocardiography to confirm structural abnormalities.
Describe the nursing management of cyanotic heart disease in infants.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
Management focuses on improving oxygenation and preventing complications such as
hypercyanotic spells. Nurses position the infant in a knee-chest posture during episodes to
enhance systemic vascular resistance. Supplemental oxygen may be used cautiously.
Hydration is maintained to reduce blood viscosity, and medications such as beta-blockers
may be given. Parents are educated on identifying warning signs and emergency care.
Explain Tetralogy of Fallot and its clinical manifestations.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
Tetralogy of Fallot consists of four defects: VSD, pulmonary stenosis, right ventricular
hypertrophy, and an overriding aorta. These alterations lead to reduced blood flow to the
lungs and mixing of blood, causing chronic cyanosis. Clinical signs include clubbing,
, squatting, dyspnea on exertion, and “tet spells.” Without intervention, children may
experience poor growth and high risk of complications.
Discuss nursing care during a “tet spell.”
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
During a tet spell, the nurse immediately places the child in a knee-chest position to increase
systemic resistance and improve oxygenation. Calm reassurance reduces agitation, which
worsens cyanosis. Oxygen therapy may be initiated, and morphine can be administered to
decrease respiratory drive. Close monitoring of vital signs and preparation for emergency
intervention is essential.
Describe the role of echocardiography in pediatric cardiology assessment.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
Echocardiography provides real-time images of the heart’s structures, helping clinicians
identify septal defects, valve abnormalities, and ventricular function. It is non-invasive and
well tolerated by children. Nurses prepare the child by explaining the procedure in age-
appropriate language to reduce anxiety. The results guide treatment planning and surgical
decisions.
Explain heart failure in children and its primary causes.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
Heart failure in children results from congenital heart defects, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias,
or acquired conditions like Kawasaki disease. Due to these abnormalities, the heart cannot
effectively pump blood to meet metabolic demands. Symptoms include tachycardia,
hepatomegaly, feeding intolerance, and poor weight gain. Early identification and treatment
prevent deterioration.
Discuss pharmacologic treatments for pediatric heart failure.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
Medications include diuretics to reduce fluid overload, ACE inhibitors to decrease afterload,
and digoxin to improve myocardial contractility. Nurses must monitor electrolyte balance,
apical pulse, and signs of toxicity. Family education is vital to ensure correct dosing and
adherence. Regular follow-ups evaluate treatment response.
Explain the complications of untreated congenital heart disease.
