OverviewTetralogy of Fallot (teh-TRAL-uh-jee of fuh-LOW) is a rare condition caused by a combination of four heart defects that are present at birth (congenital). Show
These defects, which affect the structure of the heart, cause oxygen-poor blood to flow out of the heart and to the rest of the body. Infants and children with tetralogy of Fallot usually have blue-tinged skin because their blood doesn't carry enough oxygen. Tetralogy of Fallot is often diagnosed while the baby is an infant or soon after. Sometimes, depending on the severity of the defects and symptoms, tetralogy of Fallot is not detected until adulthood. All babies who have tetralogy of Fallot need corrective surgery. People with tetralogy of Fallot need regular doctor's checkups for the rest of their life and may have activity restrictions. Tetralogy of FallotSymptomsTetralogy of Fallot symptoms vary, depending on the amount of blood flow that's blocked. Signs and symptoms may include:
Tet spellsSometimes, babies who have tetralogy of Fallot will suddenly develop deep blue skin, nails and lips after crying or feeding, or when agitated. These episodes are called tet spells. Tet spells are caused by a rapid drop in the amount of oxygen in the blood. Tet spells are most common in young infants, around 2 to 4 months old. Toddlers or older children might instinctively squat when they're short of breath. Squatting increases blood flow to the lungs. When to see a doctorSeek medical help if you notice that your baby has the following signs or symptoms:
If your baby becomes blue (cyanotic), place your baby on his or her side and pull your baby's knees up to his or her chest. This helps increase blood flow to the lungs. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. CausesTetralogy of Fallot occurs as the baby's heart is developing during pregnancy. Usually, the cause is unknown. Tetralogy of Fallot includes four defects:
Some children or adults who have tetralogy of Fallot may have other heart defects such as a hole between the heart's upper chambers (atrial septal defect), a right aortic arch or problems with the coronary arteries. Risk factorsWhile the exact cause of tetralogy of Fallot is unknown, some things might increase the risk of a baby being born with this condition. Risk factors for tetralogy of Fallot include:
ComplicationsA possible complication of tetralogy of Fallot is infection of the inner lining of the heart or heart valve caused by a bacterial infection (infective endocarditis). Your or your child's doctor may recommend taking antibiotics before certain dental procedures to prevent infections that might cause this infection. People with untreated tetralogy of Fallot usually develop severe complications over time, which might result in death or disability by early adulthood. Complications from tetralogy of Fallot surgeryWhile most babies and adults do well after open-heart surgery to repair tetralogy of Fallot defects (intracardiac repair), long-term complications are common. Complications may include:
It's very important to have regular checkups with a heart doctor trained in caring for people with congenital heart disease (pediatric cardiologist or adult congenital cardiologist). Aug. 17, 2021 When a patient's appearance takes on a bluish coloration especially in nail beds and the mucous membranes of the mouth the patient is described as which of the following?A bluish color to the skin or mucous membrane is usually due to a lack of oxygen in the blood. The medical term is cyanosis.
When do you palpate a patient's pulse?The patient should be seated comfortably, and wrist supported on the exam table or chair arm. The artery is palpated, and pulse counted for 30 seconds and multiplied by 2, or for a full minute if irregular.
Which of the following is the most effective method of assessing the quality of air movement in the lungs?The most accurate way is called body plethysmography. You sit in a clear airtight box that looks like a phone booth. The technologist asks you to breathe in and out of a mouthpiece. Changes in pressure inside the box help determine the lung volume.
What does PVC stand for quizlet?Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVC) Flashcards | Quizlet. Expert solutions. Arts and Humanities.
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