Cardiovascular Disorders

Question 1

Differentiate between a right-to-left and a left-to-right shunt in cardiac disease.

Answer 1

A right-to-left shunt bypasses the lungs and delivers unoxygenated blood to the systemic circulation, causing cyanosis. A left-to-right shunt moves oxygenated blood back through the pulmonary circulation.

Question 2

List the four defects associated with tetralogy of Fallot.

Answer 2

VSD, overriding aorta, pulmonary stenosis, and right ventricular hypertrophy

Question 3

List the common signs of cardiac problems in an infant.

Answer 3

Poor feeding, poor weight gain, respiratory distress and infections, edema, and cyanosis

Question 4

What are the two objectives in treating congestive heart failure?

Answer 4

Reduce the workload of the heart and increase cardiac output

Question 5

Describe nursing interventions to reduce the workload of the heart.

Answer 5

Give small, frequent feedings or gavage feedings. Plan frequent rest periods. Maintain a neutral thermal environment. Organize activities to disturb child only as indicated.

Question 6

What position would best relieve the child experiencing tet spell.

Answer 6

Knee-chest position of squatting.

Question 7

What are common signs of digoxin toxicity?

Answer 7

Diarrhea, fatigue, weakness, nausea, and vomiting; the nurse should check for bradycardia prior to administration.

Question 8

List five risks in cardiac catheterization.

Answer 8

Arrhythmia, bleeding, perforation, phlebitis, and obstruction of the arterial entry site

Question 9

What cardiac complications are associated with rheumatic fever?

Answer 9

Aortic valve stenosis and mitral valve stenosis

Question 10

What medications are used to treat rheumatic fever?

Answer 10

Penicillin, erythromycin, and aspirin