Which of the following is a common symptom of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)?

Which of the following is a common symptom of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)?

• A. Increased heart rate
• B. Clubbing of fingers and toes
• C. Weakness of limbs
• D. Rapid breathing during sleep

Answer: (B)

Clubbing of fingers and toes is a well-documented symptom associated with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). This condition is a congenital heart defect that results in reduced oxygenation of the blood due to the structural abnormalities of the heart. When a child's blood is not adequately oxygenated, a compensatory mechanism can lead to clubbing, which is characterized by an enlargement of the ends of the fingers and toes and a changes in the angle at which the nail grows. This occurs because the body attempts to compensate for low oxygen saturation by producing more red blood cells, leading to thicker blood and vascular changes that result in clubbing. In contrast, while increased heart rate, weakness of limbs, and rapid breathing during sleep may be present in various cardiac or pulmonary conditions, they are not specifically indicative of TOF. Increased heart rate can occur in many situations such as fever, anxiety, or other forms of stress, while weakness of limbs generally relates more to neuromuscular issues rather than a cardiac anomaly like TOF. Rapid breathing during sleep may indicate other respiratory issues rather than being specific to bronchovascular responses from the heart defect seen in TOF. Understanding the characteristic symptoms associated with specific congenital heart defects is essential in recognizing and diagnosing these types of

Clubbing of fingers and toes is a well-documented symptom associated with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). This condition is a congenital heart defect that results in reduced oxygenation of the blood due to the structural abnormalities of the heart. When a child's blood is not adequately oxygenated, a compensatory mechanism can lead to clubbing, which is characterized by an enlargement of the ends of the fingers and toes and a changes in the angle at which the nail grows. This occurs because the body attempts to compensate for low oxygen saturation by producing more red blood cells, leading to thicker blood and vascular changes that result in clubbing.

In contrast, while increased heart rate, weakness of limbs, and rapid breathing during sleep may be present in various cardiac or pulmonary conditions, they are not specifically indicative of TOF. Increased heart rate can occur in many situations such as fever, anxiety, or other forms of stress, while weakness of limbs generally relates more to neuromuscular issues rather than a cardiac anomaly like TOF. Rapid breathing during sleep may indicate other respiratory issues rather than being specific to bronchovascular responses from the heart defect seen in TOF. Understanding the characteristic symptoms associated with specific congenital heart defects is essential in recognizing and diagnosing these types of