Chapter 41

A child with a congenital heart defect is getting an echocardiogram. How would the nurse describe this test to the parent?

This is a test that will check how blood is flowing through the heart

A child with a suspected CV disease is to undergo diagnostic testing and is scheduled for an echocardiogram. When explaining this test to the child, what would the nurse most likely include?

"A special wand that picks up sound is used to check your heart."

The nurse is teaching an inservice program to a group of nurses on the topic of children diagnosed with rheumatic fever. What statement is most accurate regarding the diagnosis of rheumatic fever?

"Children who have this diagnosis may have had strept throat."

The nurse is reinforcing teaching with the caregivers of a child with rheumatic fever. What statement made by the caregivers best indicates an understanding of the treatment for this disorder?

"We don't let her watch TV, but while she is in bed we will let her watch some."

The nurse is caring for a child diagnosed with rheumatic fever. What 2 PRIORITY interventions would the nurse do?

1. Carefully handle the child's knees, ankles, elbows, & wrists when moving the child. 2. Administer salicylates after meals or with milk

What are signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade?

Hypotension Muffled heart sounds Decreased systemic perfusion Sudden cessation of chest drainage Narrowing pulse pressures Widening mediastinum on chest radiograph Increased R & L atrial pressures

A nurse suspects a child is having cardiac tamponade postop. after having cardiac surgery. What assessment findings would be indicative of this?

Hypotension & narrowing pulse pressures

The nurse is caring for an infant with suspected patent ductus arteriosus. What assessment findings would the nurse identify as helping to confirm this suspicion?

Harsh, continuous, machine-like murmur under the left clavicle

A nurse is reviewing blood work on a patient with cyanotic heart defect. What results would most likely be seen in a patient experiencing polycythemia?

Increased RBC

The nurse is caring for a child with rheumatic fever who has polyarthritis. What lab result would the nurse most anticipate with this child's diagnosis and symptoms?

Increased eythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

A newborn is diagnosed with patent ductus arteriosus. The nurse anticipates that the physician will most likely order what medication?

Indomethacin

After teaching a group of students about acute rheumatic fever, the instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the students identify what as an assessment finding?

Jerky movements of the face & upper extremities

The nurse is preparing a teaching plan for the parents of a child who has been diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. What would the nurse be LEASt likely to include?

Maintenance of strict bed rest

When caring for a child with Kawasaki Disease, the nurse would know what?

Management includes administration of aspirin and IVIG.

The nurse is implementing the plan of care with acute rheumatic fever. What would the nurse expect to administer if ordered?

Penicillin Corticosteroids Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

A nurse is caring for a child who is experiencing heart failure. What assessment data was most likely seen when initially examined?

Tachycardia

What may be the signs of a child experiencing heart failure?

Tachycardia Hepatomegaly Oliguria

A newborn has been diagnosed with a congenital heart disease. What one is assoicated with cyanosis?

Tetralogy of Fallot