Question

The nurse provides care for an infant client diagnosed with a cyanotic congenital heart defect. The nurse understands that chronic hypoxia from this disorder can result in which finding?

a. Intellectual disability
b. Polycythemia
c. Respiratory infections
d. Fluid retention

Answer 1

Chronic hypoxia from a cyanotic congenital heart defect can result in polycythemia, which is an increase in the number of red blood cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cyanotic congenital heart defects can lead to chronic hypoxia, which is a condition characterized by insufficient oxygen levels in the body. One finding that can result from chronic hypoxia is polycythemia, which is an increase in the number of red blood cells. The body tries to compensate for the low oxygen levels by producing more red blood cells to carry oxygen. This can lead to thickening of the blood and impaired blood flow.