Coarctation of the aorta demonstrates few symptoms in newborns.What is an important assessment for the nurse to make on all newborns to help reveal this condition?

The correct answer is Choice C.Choice A rationaleAuscultating for a cardiac murmur can be helpful but is not the most specific assessment for coarctation of the aorta. Murmurs can be present in various cardiac conditions.Choice B rationaleRecording blood pressure in the upper extremities alone is not sufficient. Coarctation of the aorta often presents with a discrepancy between upper and lower extremity blood pressures.Choice C rationaleAssessing for the presence of femoral pulses is crucial. In coarctation of the aorta, there is decreased blood flow to the lower extremities, leading to weak or absent femoral pulses.Choice D rationaleObserving for excessive crying is non-specific and can be associated with many conditions, not just coarctation of the aorta.