Chapter 13: Cardiovascular Disorders in Children

Cardiovascular Disorders in Children details the essential components of a pediatric cardiac assessment, including the evaluation of heart sounds, murmurs, pulses, blood pressure, and indicators of poor perfusion such as cyanosis, clubbing, and failure to thrive. The text extensively categorizes congenital heart defects (CHDs) based on hemodynamics, covering defects with increased pulmonary blood flow like patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), atrial septal defects (ASD), and ventricular septal defects (VSD); defects with decreased pulmonary blood flow such as Tetralogy of Fallot and tricuspid atresia; obstructive defects like coarctation of the aorta and pulmonary stenosis; and complex mixed disorders including transposition of the great vessels and hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Furthermore, it addresses acquired heart diseases affecting children, specifically infective endocarditis, rheumatic heart disease associated with streptococcal infections, and Kawasaki disease, which requires vigilant monitoring for coronary artery aneurysms. The chapter also explores systemic cardiovascular issues such as pediatric hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and the various forms of shock (hypovolemic, cardiogenic, and septic), while outlining critical nursing interventions, pharmacological management with drugs like digoxin and diuretics, surgical considerations including heart transplantation, and the necessary family education for long-term care.