Congenital heart disease (CHD) Exam with Questions and Answers

It covers key domains which include; Septal Defects, Obstructive Lesions, Cyanotic Heart Defects, Single Ventricle Physiology, Multisystem and Late-Stage complications and Neurodevelopmental and Psychiatric Issues. A cyanotic congenital heart defect results from failure of septation of the truncus arteriosus during embryologic development. What is the primary developmental defect? a failure of endocardial cushion formation b failure of neural crest migration leading to persistent truncus arteriosus c abnormal pulmonary venous return d failure of ductus arteriosus closure Correct Answer: b failure of neural crest migration leading to persistent truncus arteriosus Rationale: Truncus arteriosus occurs due to failure of neural crest cell migration and improper septation of the truncus arteriosus, resulting in a single arterial trunk supplying systemic, pulmonary, and coronary circulations. A neonate with severe cyanosis is diagnosed with pulmonary atresia. Which medication is most critical for initial stabilization? a aspirin therapy b prostaglandin E1 infusion