ABSTRACT
Children with single ventricle anatomy are among the most complicated and challenging patients encountered in pediatric cardiology. Current management involves staged surgical procedures, beginning with neonatal palliation and followed by a bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis in infancy and culminating in the Fontan procedure. The Fontan procedure, despite separating the circulation, remains a palliative procedure with many long-term concerns. This report discusses the staged surgical management of patients with single ventricle anatomy and the nursing issues relevant to each stage.
Subject(s)
Fontan Procedure/methods , Fontan Procedure/nursing , Heart Bypass, Right/methods , Heart Ventricles/abnormalities , Palliative Care/methods , Child , Child, Preschool , Congenital Abnormalities/nursing , Congenital Abnormalities/physiopathology , Congenital Abnormalities/surgery , Fontan Procedure/adverse effects , Heart Bypass, Right/adverse effects , Heart Bypass, Right/nursing , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Long-Term Care/methods , Parents/education , Parents/psychology , Pediatric Nursing/methods , Perioperative Care/methods , Perioperative Care/nursing , Pulmonary Circulation , Social SupportABSTRACT
Cardiac arrhythmias are being depressed with increased frequency in the pediatric population. Causes of pediatric arrhythmias in the general population include severe metabolic or electrolyte disturbances, drug toxicity, and chest trauma. Repairs of complex congenital heart disease have frequently left this population with persistent or recurrent postoperative arrhythmias. The diagnosis, evaluation, and management of pediatric arrhythmias requires nurses to be skilled in hemodynamic assessment and arrhythmia detection. The registered nurse's grasp of developmental issues and family education is vital in providing quality care to families dealing with these diagnoses.
Subject(s)
Arrhythmias, Cardiac , Arrhythmias, Cardiac/diagnosis , Arrhythmias, Cardiac/etiology , Arrhythmias, Cardiac/therapy , Child , Child, Preschool , Electrocardiography , Hemodynamics , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Nursing AssessmentABSTRACT
Almost all children with heart disease are successfully cared for at home by their parents. Pediatric cardiovascular nurses play a major role in preparing parents to meet their child's medical needs, in aiding families to cope with a chronic condition, and in encouraging normal growth and development for their young patients. Through assessment, collaboration with other members of the health care team, planning with the family, teaching, counseling and supportive interventions, and evaluating care, nurses assist in a smooth transition to home and appropriate use of community resources.
