GMCH Chandigarh - 2019
Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)
Easy

Select the anatomic malformations associated with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)?

Appeared in: GMCH Chandigarh - 2019

Explanation

  • Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a congenital heart defect defined by four specific anatomical abnormalities.
  • The first component is a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), a hole between the right and left ventricles.
  • The second is Pulmonary Stenosis, which is an obstruction of blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery.
  • The third is an Overriding Aorta, where the aorta is positioned over the VSD, receiving blood from both ventricles.
  • The fourth is Right Ventricular Hypertrophy (RVH), a thickening of the right ventricle's muscle wall due to increased workload.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option B: This option incorrectly lists an Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) instead of a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD). TOF involves a defect between the ventricles, not the atria.
  • Option C: This option incorrectly identifies Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH). In TOF, the pressure overload is on the right ventricle due to pulmonary stenosis, leading to Right Ventricular Hypertrophy (RVH).
  • Option D: This option is incorrect for two reasons: it lists an Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) and pulmonary atresia. While pulmonary atresia is an extreme form of TOF, pulmonary stenosis is the classic feature. The primary error is the inclusion of an ASD.

Related Visual

Visual explanation — Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomical defects of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
  • Recognizing the four components of TOF is fundamental for nurses to understand the pathophysiology of cyanosis and the rationale behind interventions.
  • A key nursing action during a hypercyanotic 'Tet spell' is placing the infant in the knee-chest position. This increases systemic vascular resistance, forcing more blood through the pulmonary artery and improving oxygenation.
  • Nurses must educate parents on recognizing the signs of a Tet spell (sudden increase in cyanosis, rapid breathing) and when to seek emergency care.
How to Approach the Question
  • This is a factual recall question. The goal is to identify the correct set of characteristics for a specific medical condition.
  • First, identify the core concept: 'Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)'. The word 'tetralogy' means a group of four.
  • Recall the four classic defects associated with TOF. A common mnemonic is 'PROVe': Pulmonary stenosis, Right ventricular hypertrophy, Overriding aorta, Ventricular septal defect.
  • Carefully read each option and compare it against the four known defects.
  • Eliminate options that contain incorrect components, such as 'Atrial septal defect' or 'Left ventricular hypertrophy'.
  • Select the option that perfectly matches all four components of the classic tetrad.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Anatomical defects of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
  • Stem keywords: anatomic malformations, tetralogy of Fallot, TOF
  • Lead-in keywords: Select

Question ID

Qytyxgb2fqGwCDwBg0jPD9

Reference Book

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 541-543

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 445-447

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 p. 589-591

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