HESI Registered Nurse EXIT Practice Exam

For which congenital heart defect is it crucial to assess for heart conduction disturbances in children post-surgery?

1. Arterial septal defect

2. Patent ductus arteriosus

3. Aortic stenosis

4. Ventricular septal defect

The correct answer is: Ventricular septal defect

After surgery for a ventricular septal defect (VSD), it is particularly important to assess for heart conduction disturbances. This is primarily due to the surgical approach involved in repairing the defect, which can impact the surrounding cardiac structures, including the conduction pathways. The ventricles can be influenced by the surgical manipulation and closure techniques, leading to potential complications such as arrhythmias or heart blocks. In contrast, the other congenital heart defects listed are associated with different surgical considerations. For example, in cases of arterial septal defect (ASD), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and aortic stenosis, the repairs typically do not significantly interfere with the cardiac conduction system to the same extent as VSD repairs. While conduction disturbances can occur with any cardiac surgery, the likelihood and the need for vigilant monitoring are heightened in the context of VSD due to the proximity of the defect to the conduction pathways in the heart.