Inpatient Obstetric Nurse (NCC) Practice Exam

Acyanotic defects allow oxygenated blood to be shunted to which part of the body?

1. To the lungs

2. To the limbs

3. To the body

4. To the liver

The correct answer is: To the body

Acyanotic defects are congenital heart defects that do not result in significant deoxygenated blood being mixed with oxygenated blood, which means that the systemic circulation remains relatively unaffected in terms of oxygenation. In these conditions, such as atrial septal defects or ventricular septal defects, blood can flow from the left side of the heart to the right side, leading to increased blood flow to the lungs without significant cyanosis. When oxygenated blood is shunted due to these types of defects, it primarily goes to the systemic circulation, which includes the limbs and vital organs. Therefore, the correct response signifies that the oxygenated blood is effectively delivered to the body’s tissues, ensuring they receive the necessary oxygen to function properly. This is crucial for growth and development since the body needs a continuous supply of oxygenated blood, especially in infants and children who are developing.