Anatomy & Physiology
What is the normal range for a newborn’s heart rate?
110-160 bpm
Which defect is the most common congenital heart anomaly?
Ventricular septal defect (VSD).
What is the hallmark sign of cyanotic defects?
Hypoxemia/cyanosis
What is the primary imaging test to diagnose congenital heart disease?
Echocardiogram
What is the most important nursing intervention after cardiac catheterization?
Maintain pressure dressing and monitor distal pulses.
What fetal structure connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta?
The ductus arteriosus.
A child has cyanosis that worsens with crying. Which defect do you suspect?
Tetralogy of Fallot.
Infants with CHF may show what sign during feeding?
Poor feeding with diaphoresis.
What test uses sound waves to visualize heart structure?
Echocardiography.
What medication is used to keep the ductus arteriosus open in certain heart defects?
Prostaglandin E1.
What causes the foramen ovale to close after birth?
Increased left atrial pressure when lungs expand.
Which defect is known as a “machine-like” continuous murmur?
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
What is “clubbing” of fingers a sign of?
Chronic hypoxemia.
Which lab test is most useful in detecting hypoxemia in CHD?
Pulse oximetry.
What medication helps reduce preload and pulmonary congestion in CHF?
Furosemide (Lasix).
Why is the right ventricle larger in utero?
It pumps blood through the ductus arteriosus to the systemic circulation.
In transposition of the great arteries, which two major vessels are switched?
The aorta and pulmonary artery
What does a “tet spell” look like?
Sudden cyanosis, dyspnea, and irritability.
Why is a knee-chest position used in tet spells?
It increases systemic vascular resistance, reducing right-to-left shunting.
Why should high-calorie formula or NG tube feeds be considered in infants with CHD?
To reduce energy expenditure during feeding.
Which heart sound abnormality might indicate a congenital heart defect?
a murmur
Which defect causes bounding upper extremity pulses and weak lower extremity pulses?
Coarctation of the aorta.
Which congenital defect often presents with a loud, harsh murmur and a thrill?
VSD
What cardiac catheterization complication must you monitor closely for?
Bleeding/hematoma at insertion site.
What is a key post-op nursing concern after surgical correction of congenital heart defects?
Monitoring for arrhythmias and cardiac tamponade.