Question

Mrs. Smith is a primip who is 20 weeks pregnant. Her obstetrician is concern that her child may be at risk for congenital cardiac disease.

Identify five prenatal assessments which are commonly seen in mothers which increase the suspicion that the infant may be at risk for a congenital heart defect.

Baby boy smith was born at 35 weeks gestation, weighing 5lbs 4oz. He is immediately placed on a cardiac respiratory monitor.   

Identify five clinical manifestations that could indicate the presence of congenital heart disease in this newborn.

Cameron Smith undergoes cardiac surgery at 2 months of age.

Describe how nurses can advocate and support families when facing home care concerns after a child has had cardiac surgery.

Cameron is going home after only 1week following cardiac surgery.

Identify a Medication that may be prescribed for a child with cardiac disease upon discharge. List 4 teaching points you would cover with the parents prior to discharge.

Answer 1

Five prenatal assessment:

- fetal echocardiography help detact fetal heart abnormalities before birth..

- fetal heart rate either tachycardia or bradycardia and heart murmur.

-prenatal ultrasonography displays severe cardiac lesions.

- fetal anomaly screening detect critical and significant CHDs..

Symptoms:

- poor weight gain

- swelling in the legs, abdomen or area around the eyes.

- rapid breathing

- pale grey or blue skin colour

- shortness of breath

Home care concern:

- family will be under depression due to baby survival after surgery.. psychological support and concern eliminate the feeling.

- advice them to watch the incision site carefully

- keep the incision dry and cover loosely with gause.

-tube feeding must be given with tilting the baby upside and slowly feeding..never make the child lie down immediately as soon the feed

- hold the baby chest to chest with his head supported on your shoulder.

- make baby sleep on back it prevents infant death syndrome

Medication for cardiac disease methylphenidate..it is a stimulant.

Teaching points:

- advice the Patient about baby immunization therapy.

- advice them to watch baby breathing pattern and heart beat..

- educate them complications of cardiac disease

- advice them to follow strict medicine follow up

- advice them to come for regular follow up visit..