Question

The infant is admitted to the unit with tetrology of falot. The nurse would anticipate an order for which medication? A. Digoxin B. Epinephrine C. Aminophyline D. Atropine

Short answer

Answer: A. Digoxin

Step-by-step solution

Understand tetrology of falot

Tetrology of Falot is a congenital heart defect that is comprised of four anatomical abnormalities: pulmonary stenosis, ventricular septal defect, overriding aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy. These four abnormalities lead to insufficient oxygenated blood reaching the body, causing the infant to have cyanosis and difficulty in breathing.

Review the medications

We will briefly review each medication in the given options: A. Digoxin: Cardiac glycoside used to increase the force of the heart's contractions and to slow down rapid heart rates. B. Epinephrine: Hormone and neurotransmitter used in emergency situations to increase heart rate and blood pressure. C. Aminophylline: A bronchodilator used to prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty in breathing caused by asthma and other lung diseases. D. Atropine: An anticholinergic drug used to treat bradycardia (slow heart rate), reduce saliva and bronchial secretions, and as an antidote for some poisonings.

Determine the appropriate medication

In tetrology of Falot, the primary issue is the abnormal blood flow due to the four anatomical abnormalities. The goal of treatment is to improve oxygen delivery to the body, and the medication should help in addressing the symptoms or correcting the abnormal blood flow. Among these medications, Digoxin (A) is the most appropriate medication, as it increases the force of the heart's contractions and helps to slow down rapid heart rates which can be useful for infants with tetrology of Falot. The other medications, although they might improve certain symptoms (e.g., difficulty in breathing or low blood pressure), would not address the underlying physiological problem that is specific to tetrology of Falot. So, the correct answer is: A. Digoxin