Cardiac Anatomy & Physiology
Which side of the heart pumps blood to the lungs?
Right side
This acyanotic defect causes blood to flow from left to right between the atria.
Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
What diagnostic test is most commonly used to visualize heart defects?
Echocardiogram
What medication strengthens cardiac contractility in pediatric heart failure?
Digoxin
What position promotes oxygenation in children with respiratory or cardiac distress?
Semi- to high-Fowler’s position.
What is the normal capillary refill time in children?
Less than 3 seconds
This cyanotic defect is known for 'tet spells.'
Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
What should be checked frequently after a cardiac catheterization?
Pressure dressing and distal pulses
Before giving digoxin to an infant, what must be checked?
Apical pulse for one full minute; hold if <90–110 bpm.
A child with heart failure tires easily during feeds. What nursing intervention helps?
Small, frequent feeds and rest between.
What heart sound indicates closure of the AV valves?
S1 (the 'lub')
In this defect, the aorta and pulmonary artery are switched.
Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)
Which lab value assesses oxygenation and acid-base balance?
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)
What medication removes excess fluid in heart failure?
Furosemide (Lasix)
After a cardiac cath, what finding should be reported immediately?
Bleeding at site or cool, pale extremity.
What two fetal shunts close after birth?
Foramen ovale and ductus arteriosus
This defect causes bounding pulses and a machinery-like murmur.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
What diagnostic test confirms cystic fibrosis but can also evaluate electrolyte abnormalities?
Sweat chloride test
What drug keeps the ductus arteriosus open in certain defects?
Prostaglandin E1 (alprostadil)
What is the first action if a child with TOF has a cyanotic spell?
Knee-chest position and oxygen.
Why are infants more likely to develop heart failure than adults?
Less myocardial mass and limited ability to increase stroke volume.
This defect leads to narrowing of the aorta and high blood pressure in the upper extremities.
Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA)
What does a widened mediastinum on chest X-ray suggest post-op?
Possible cardiac tamponade or bleeding.
Name one side effect of ACE inhibitors.
Hypotension, cough, or hyperkalemia.
What long-term teaching is vital after congenital heart repair?
Endocarditis prophylaxis before dental or surgical procedures.