Physiological AdaptationQuestion 1295 of 2368
An infant with Tetralogy of Fallot becomes irritable, cries uncontrollably, and develops increasing cyanosis. Which action should the nurse take first?
- Calm the infant and place them with the knees held to the chest
- Offer a full bottle feeding in a quiet room to settle the infant
- Place the infant flat on their back with the legs extended out
- Gently stimulate the infant to keep crying and breathe deeply
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Correct answer: Calm the infant and place them with the knees held to the chest
The knee-to-chest position raises systemic vascular resistance and decreases right-to-left shunting. More blood then reaches the lungs.
Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Congenital Heart Defects: Cyanotic Defects. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026