CCNS Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist

Answer - D - The nurse recognizes that the problem is due to cerebral vascular accident. Polycythemia occurs as a physiological reaction to chronic hypoxemia, which commonly occurs in patients with Tetralogy of Fallot. Polycythemia and the resultant increased viscosity of the blood increase the risk of thromboembolic events. Cerebrovascular accidents may occur. Signs and symptoms include seizures, sudden paralysis, extreme irritability or fatigue, and altered speech.