Cardio

Question 1

What is the first nursing action for an infant experiencing a hypercyanotic spell related to Tetralogy of Fallot?

Answer 1

Immediately place the child in the knee-chest position

Attempt to calm the child and call for help.

This position helps to increase systemic vascular resistance and decrease right-to-left shunting.

Question 2

What key findings should you notify the provider for after a cardiac catheterization?

Answer 2

Hemorrhage from site: Monitor bleeding and apply direct continuous pressure at 2.5 cm (1 in) above the catheter entry site
Monitor for infection: low grade fever
Monitor Hypoglycemia
Loss of pulses

This helps control bleeding at the catheterization site.

Question 3

What are manifestation of aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aorta)?

Answer 3

Decreased cardiac output
Hypertrophy of the left ventricle
Pulmonary vascular congestion

This occurs due to the narrowing of the aortic valve.

Question 4

What is an Atrial Septal Defect?

Answer 4

A opening between R&L atria

Characterized by a loud, systolic harsh murmur with a fixed split-second heart sound.

Question 5

What is a Ventral Septal Defect?

Answer 5

An abnormal opening between R&L ventricles that can close spontaneously during the first year

It is associated with a loud systolic murmur.

Question 6

What is Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)?

Answer 6

Normal fetal circulation conduit between the pulm artery and the aorta fails to close, resulting in increased pulmonary blood flow

Symptoms include a machinery-like murmur, wide pulse pressure, and bounding pulses.

Question 7

What does an elevated or rising antistreptolysin O (ASO) titer indicate in rheumatic fever?

Answer 7

Indicates untreated strep throat which is a potential cause of RF

ASO titer testing helps confirm recent streptococcal infection.

Question 8

What are some potential complications of digoxin?

Answer 8

N/V/D
Decreased appetite
Bradycardia (greater than a 10% decrease from baseline)
Fainting
Difficulty breathing

Question 9

What is the optimal toxicity level range for digoxin?

Answer 9

normal range (0.8 to 2 ng/mL)

Toxicity is usually seen at >2 ng/mL

(ATI 0.5-0.8)

Question 10

What vital sign do you check before administering Digoxin?

Answer 10

Apical Pulse

Question 11

What is the HR threshold limit for not administering Digoxin

Answer 11

<110 bpm for infants
<70 bpm for older children