In children, coarctation of the aorta should be suspected if you detect:
A) a delay between the radial and femoral pulses.
B) a simultaneous radial and femoral pulse.
C) an absent femoral pulse on the left.
D) bilateral absence of femoral pulses.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital stenosis or narrowing seen most commonly in the descending aortic arch, near the origin of the left subclavian artery and ligamentum arteriosum. Ordinarily, the radial and femoral pulses are palpated simultaneously. When there is a delay and/or a palpable diminution of amplitude of the femoral pulse, coarctation must be suspected. Differences in blood pressure taken in the arms and legs should confirm the suspicion. Coarctation of the aorta should not be suspected if the radial and femoral pulses are palpated simultaneously, if the femoral pulse on the left is absent, or if there is bilateral absence of femoral pulses.

In Children, Coarctation of the Aorta Should Be Suspected If