Final answer:
The claim that a ventricular septal defect (VSD) would create decreased pulmonary flow is false. VSD actually results in increased pulmonary blood flow due to the abnormal mixing of blood in the heart, unlike Tetralogy of Fallot, which can lead to decreased pulmonary flow due to pulmonary stenosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a ventricular septal defect (VSD) creates decreased pulmonary flow is false. A VSD is a congenital heart defect wherein there is an abnormal opening in the interventricular septum. This allows the mixing of oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle with the oxygen-poor blood in the right ventricle. As a result, there is an increased flow of blood into the pulmonary circulation, potentially leading to symptoms such as dyspnea, and over time can cause damage to the lung vessels due to increased pressure (pulmonary hypertension).
In contrast, Tetralogy of Fallot, which is a more complex congenital heart condition, can lead to decreased pulmonary flow due to the component of pulmonary infundibular stenosis. This condition also includes other defects such as the overriding aorta, ventricular septal defect, and right ventricular hypertrophy. Tetralogy of Fallot requires extensive surgical repair for treatment and has significant mortality rates without appropriate intervention.