Alterations in Cardiac Function Flashcards
How does a child’s body respond to chronic hypoximeia?
The child’s bone marrow responds to chronic hypoxiemia by producing more red blood cells to increase the amount of hemoglobin to be oxygenated.
What is polycythemia?
An abnormal increase in the number of total red blood cells in body’s circulation. A hematocrit value of or higher is common in children with heart defects.
In children, what is a significant warning sign of cardiac arrest?
Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is a significant sign of cardiac arrest in children.
_____________ in children generally results from prolonged hypoxemia related to respiratory failure or shock.
Cardiac arrest in children generally results from prolonged hypoxemia related to respiratory failure or shock.
What maternal viral infections can cause congenital heart defects in children?
Rubella can cause congenital heat defects in a fetus, if the mother contracts the viral infection.
What is the first indication of a congenital heart defect?
A heart murmur is often the first indication of a congenital heart defect.
What are the clinical manifestations of heart defects that increase pulmonary blood flow?
Tachypnea Tachycardia Murmur CHF (congestive heart failure) poor weight gain diaphoresis Preorbital edema frequent respiratory infections
What is the most common congenital heart defect?
Ventricular Septal Defect is the most common congenital heart defect.
If CHF can be managed, at what age can a VSD surgical closure be performed?
VSD surgical closure can be performed at 1 year of age, unless CHF cannot be managed. Surgery for these infants are performed with the first 6 mos of life.
What are some complications from a VSD surgery?
Arrhythmia, right bundle branch block, and complete heart block are some complications that can occur from VSD surgery.
What congenital heart defect is found in children with Down syndrome?
Atrioventricular Canal (endocardial cushion) AV Canal can be found in children with Down syndrome.
At what age is surgery performed to fix AV Canal defects?
Surgery to repair AV canal defect is performed between 2 and 4 months of age to prevent pulmonary vascular disease.
When repairing AV canal defect, how long is infective endocarditis prophylaxis required?
Infective endocarditis prophylaxis is required for 6 mos after the procedure.
What are some complications from AV canal defect repair?
Arrhythmia, mitral valve regurgitation, a residual valve defect, sub-aortic stenosis.
What medication can be given to a preterm infant who has a PDA?
Ibuprofen or Indomethacin can be given to preterm infants who have a PDA to stimulate closure by prohibiting prostaglandin E.
Postpericardiotomy syndrome?
Postpericardiotomy syndrome is a complication that occurs in 25-35% of children when surgery involves an incision through the pericardium leading to pericardium and pleural inflammation.
What causes Postpericariotomy syndrome?
Possibly from an autoimmune response to damage to the myocardium or pericardium or blood in the pericardial sac.
What are the sign and symptoms of Postpericariotomy syndrome?
High fever (up to 104f), sometimes severe chest pain which worsens upon inspiration.
What is the treatment for Postpericariotomy syndrome?
Mild cases are treated with bed rest and NSAID’s or indomethacin.
Severe cases may require corticosteriods, diuretics, or emergency pericardiocentisis.
What part of the assessment are key in determining the full impact of the heart condition on growth?
In infants, assessment of the length and head circumference help determine the full impact of the heat condition on growth.
In children with congenital heart defects, failure to gain weight is an indication of what?
In children with congenital heart defects, failure to gain weight is an indication of an increased metabolic rate and inability to consume adequate calories for both metabolic function and growth.
What are some ways a nurse can provide support to a family of a child with congenital heart defects?
- Determine what type of support system they may have
- Identify some resources for support (social services, pastoral services, or parents of child with similar issues)
- Genetic counseling if the parents are planning a future pregnancy