ABSTRACT
The developmental aspects of myocardial performance must be considered when pharmacologic agents are used to support the neonate with compromised cardiac function. Neonatal cardiovascular function is characterized by a limited preload reserve, decreased ventricular compliance, limited contractile reserve, and CO that is primarily dependent on the HR. Nurses caring for these neonates need a baseline understanding of normal cardiovascular physiology to evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacologic interventions to augment CO. Neonatal nurses play a pivotal role in the therapeutic management of pharmacologic interventions to provide safe, high quality care for the sick neonate.
Subject(s)
Cardiovascular Agents/therapeutic use , Heart Diseases/nursing , Cardiovascular Agents/administration & dosage , Cardiovascular Agents/pharmacology , Child Development , Child, Preschool , Heart Diseases/drug therapy , Heart Diseases/physiopathology , Hemodynamics/drug effects , Hemodynamics/physiology , Humans , Infant, NewbornABSTRACT
Congenital heart defects with decreased pulmonary blood flow are generally complex lesions. Nursing care of these patients requires a comprehensive understanding of the hemodynamic effects, clinical manifestations, and the medical and surgical management of cyanotic heart disease. This in-depth understanding will enable the nurse to appropriately assess the infant's or child's cardiovascular functioning during the acute phase of illness, after surgery, and during convalescent periods. Close collaboration among the entire cardiovascular team is essential to promote high-quality care for these truly complex patients.
