Question

The nurse is caring for 2 children who have had surgical repair of congenital heart defects. For which defect is it a priority to assess for findings of heart conduction disturbance? A) Arterial septal defect B) Patent ductus arteriosus C) Aortic stenosis D) Ventricular septal defect

Answer 1

For patients with congenital heart defects, Tetralogy of Fallot is the condition requiring priority assessment for heart conduction disturbances post-surgical repair due to its complex nature affecting the heart's electrical pathways.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the congenital heart defects mentioned, it is essential to assess for findings of heart conduction disturbance in patients with Tetralogy of Fallot (choice D). This condition not only includes a ventricular septal defect but also other components that significantly impact cardiac function. Tetralogy of Fallot consists of four components: pulmonary infundibular stenosis, overriding aorta, ventricular septal defect, and right ventricular hypertrophy. This condition can affect the electrical conduction pathways of the heart, which may result in arrhythmias post-surgical repair. Therefore, careful monitoring for conduction disturbances is a priority in patients who have undergone surgical repair for Tetralogy of Fallot.