Congenital Heart Defects in Children
Congenital Heart Defects in Children ( 20 Questions)
The client reports difficulty breathing (dyspnea), frequent respiratory infections, feeling the heart beat (palpitations), and shortness of breath with activity.
During auscultation, the nurse hears a systolic ejection murmur that is best heard at the left upper sternal border.
Which of the following nursing interventions are appropriate for this client? Select all that apply.
Monitor vital signs regularly. This is an appropriate nursing intervention for a client with Atrial septal defect (ASD). Regular monitoring of vital signs, including heart rate and blood pressure, helps to assess the client's cardiovascular status and response to treatment.
Administer prescribed medications. Administering medications as prescribed is a crucial nursing intervention. Depending on the client's condition, medications may include diuretics, antiarrhythmics, or other medications to manage symptoms and improve heart function.
Encourage bed rest. Encouraging bed rest is not typically required for clients with ASD unless there are specific indications, such as severe symptoms. It's important to promote activity within the limits of the client's condition to prevent deconditioning.
Provide oxygen therapy as needed. Oxygen therapy may be needed for clients with ASD if they experience significant hypoxia or respiratory distress. It can help improve oxygen saturation and relieve dyspnea.
Educate the client about lifestyle modifications. Educating the client about lifestyle modifications is essential. Clients with ASD may benefit from lifestyle changes such as a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise within their limits, and smoking cessation if applicable. These modifications can help manage symptoms and improve overall cardiovascular health.
Choice A rationale:
Monitor vital signs regularly.
This is an appropriate nursing intervention for a client with Atrial septal defect (ASD).
Regular monitoring of vital signs, including heart rate and blood pressure, helps to assess the client's cardiovascular status and response to treatment.
Choice B rationale:
Administer prescribed medications.
Administering medications as prescribed is a crucial nursing intervention.
Depending on the client's condition, medications may include diuretics, antiarrhythmics, or other medications to manage symptoms and improve heart function.
Choice C rationale:
Encourage bed rest.
Encouraging bed rest is not typically required for clients with ASD unless there are specific indications, such as severe symptoms.
It's important to promote activity within the limits of the client's condition to prevent deconditioning.
Choice D rationale:
Provide oxygen therapy as needed.
Oxygen therapy may be needed for clients with ASD if they experience significant hypoxia or respiratory distress.
It can help improve oxygen saturation and relieve dyspnea.
Choice E rationale:
Educate the client about lifestyle modifications.
Educating the client about lifestyle modifications is essential.
Clients with ASD may benefit from lifestyle changes such as a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise within their limits, and smoking cessation if applicable.
These modifications can help manage symptoms and improve overall cardiovascular health.