Question

A nurse is caring for an infant with a diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot. The infant suddenly becomes cyanotic, and the oxygen saturation reading drops to 60%. Choose the interventions that the nurse should perform. Select all that apply.

a) Administer supplemental oxygen.
b) Elevate the infant's legs.
c) Administer a beta-blocker.
d) Prepare for emergency surgery.

Answer 1

The nurse should administer supplemental oxygen, elevate the infant's legs, and prepare for emergency surgery.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an infant with tetralogy of Fallot suddenly becomes cyanotic and has a low oxygen saturation reading, there are several interventions that a nurse should perform.

Administer supplemental oxygen: This is important to provide the infant with sufficient oxygen to alleviate cyanosis and improve oxygen saturation levels.

Elevate the infant's legs: Elevating the legs can help improve blood flow to the heart and increase oxygenation of the blood.

Prepare for emergency surgery: In severe cases, emergency surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying structural abnormalities causing the tetralogy of Fallot.