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A nurse is caring for a group of infants who have congenital heart defects. For which of the following defects should the nurse expect to observe cyanosis? A. Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

B. Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
C. Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
D. Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)

User Rdmolony
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Final answer:

Cyanosis is primarily observed in infants with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), which combines four heart defects into one condition, leading to poorly oxygenated blood and the resultant blue discoloration of the skin.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the congenital heart defects listed, a nurse should expect to observe cyanosis in infants with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Tetralogy of Fallot is a complex condition that includes four components, though only three may be present: pulmonary infundibular stenosis, overriding aorta, ventricular septal defect, and right ventricular hypertrophy. This defect leads to blood that is low in oxygen mixing with oxygen-rich blood, causing cyanosis.

It is, in fact, the most common cause of cyanosis following birth and can present as a blue or purple coloration of the skin, a condition often referred to as "blue baby." Treatment usually involves surgical repair to improve oxygenation and survival rates, although this condition has a relatively high mortality rate if not properly treated.

User Azdoud
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