17.1 Introduction
Learning Objectives
- Outline the normal shunts in fetal circulation (ductus venosus, foramen ovale and ductus arteriosus) and the transition to neonatal circulation after birth
- Describe common congenital heart defects and potential complications
- Differentiate the manifestations of cyanotic and acyanotic disorders
- Integrate nursing care for infants and children with congenital heart defects
- Explore medical and surgical treatments for congenital heart defects
- Outline priority teaching topics for parents and caregivers of children with congenital heart defects
Fetal circulation and congenital heart defects are introduced in the “Healthy Newborn Care” chapter. Chapter 17 was developed for use by students in the Complex Health Alterations I course (543-109), a second-year course for students in the Associate Degree Nursing program in the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS). This chapter contains detailed information about congenital heart defects as one of the cardiovascular alterations covered under the course competency, “Integrate nursing care for clients with alterations in cardiovascular system.” This course competency has the following performance criteria that will be addressed in this chapter regarding congenital heart defects:
- Correlate the pathophysiology, etiology, and clinical manifestations
- Support diversity across the lifespan in client-centered care
- Incorporate screening, diagnostic, and treatment procedures in the nursing plan of care
- Integrate principles of evidence-based practice when using the nursing process
- Plan nutritional interventions for clients
- Integrate pharmacological therapy in the care of clients
- Develop teaching and learning plans
- Identify multidisciplinary and community resources to promote care of clients
- Integrate psychosocial support in the care of clients
Specific learning objectives for this chapter are described in the “Learning Objectives” box at the top of this page.
