Transposition of the Great Arteries

Question 1

Transposition of the Great Arteries is what type of congenital heart defect?

Answer 1

Mixed Defect

Question 2

Pathophysiology of Transposition of the Great Arteries

Answer 2

1. The pulmonary artery and the aorta are transposed from their normal positions
2. The aorta arises from the right ventricle instead of the left ventricle
3. The pulmonary artery arises from the left ventricle instead of the right ventricle
4. Poorly oxygenated blood returning to the right atrium and ventricle is then pumped out to the aorta and back to the body
5. Oxygenated blood returning from the lungs to the left atrium and ventricle is send back to the lungs through the pulmonary artery
6. Unless there is a connection to where oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood can mix, all organs of the body will be poorly oxygenated

Question 3

Signs and Symptoms

Answer 3

• Cyanosis
• Prominent ventricular pulse
• Loud second heart sound
• If heart failure is present
  > Edema
  > Tachypnea
  > Adventitious breath sounds
• No murmur
• Tachypnea
• Tachycardia

Question 4

Nursing Assessment: Health History and Physical Examination

Answer 4

1. Note onset of cyanosis with feeding and crying
2. Observe infant for cyanosis while active and at rest
3. Observe chest, noting a prominent ventricular impulse
4. Auscultate heart for loud second heart sound

Question 5

Diagnostic Testing

Answer 5

1. Electrocardiography
2. Cardiac Catheterization

Question 6

Potenial Complications

Answer 6

• Heart failure
• Cardiac Arrythmias
• Anoxia