Congenital Heart Defects in Children · NCLEX Exam

A cyanotic spell (“Tet” spell) in a toddler with TOF is best managed by:

  1. Placing the child in supine position with legs extended
  2. Placing child in knee-chest (squatting) position, administering oxygen and calming the child
  3. Giving large volume hypotonic fluids only
  4. Ignoring it because it resolves spontaneously
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: Placing child in knee-chest (squatting) position, administering oxygen and calming the child

In a Tet spell, squatting (or knee-chest) increases systemic vascular resistance, reducing right-to-left shunt, while oxygen and calming reduce the hypoxic episode.

Difficulty: Medium Question 8 of 14

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