Cardiovascular Conditions

Question 1

What are the components of nursing care for the child with Kawasaki disease?

Answer 1

• Cardiac Monitoring
• Symptom relief: skin discomfort, mouth care
• Medication administration
• Support family regarding child’s irritability (offer breaks)

Question 2

What is the basic defect in the coarctation of the aorta?

Answer 2

A narrowing within the aorta resulting in collateral circulation.

Question 3

What are two important assessment rules related to coarctation of the aorta?

Answer 3

Assess bilateral upper and lower pulses.

Assess 4 extremity blood pressures.

Question 4

What are three symptoms of coarctation of the aorta?

Answer 4

Increased pressure / BP proximal to defect.
Decreased pressure / BP distal to defect.
Absent pulses in the lower extremities.

Question 5

What is Kawasaki disease?

Answer 5

High Persistent fever for 5 days;
Swelling of the conjunctiva without drainage;
Inflammation of the mouth, lips, and tongue;
Swollen, red hands and feet;
Rash;
Cervical lymphadenopathy

Question 6

What is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children?

Answer 6

Kawasaki Disease. Without treatment, 25 % will have permanent cardiac sequela.

Question 7

What is the treatment for Kawasaki disease?

Answer 7

IVIG - Re: It reduces the incidence of coronary artery abnormalities if given within 10 days of symptoms.

Question 8

What is heart failure?

Answer 8

Decreased myocardial contractility causes congestion of the circulatory system. The heart is unable to pump adequate amounts of blood to meet the body’s need.

Question 9

What is rheumatic fever?

Answer 9

An inflammatory disease that often occurs following an untreated group A beta-heolytic streptococci infection.

Question 10

What are the signs of heart failure?

Answer 10

Poor feeding 
weight loss
fatigue
developmental delays
edema