Nursing 209

N209: Reproductive Health Study Guide

Pulmonary Stenosis • Narrowing of the pulmonary valve from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery • Often does not require surgery if mild • If severe, it can cause heart failure or right heart enlargement o May require correction via pulmonary valvuloplasty (balloon) or valve replacement Aortic Stenosis • Narrowing or blockage of the aortic valve between the left ventricle and aorta; interferes with blood flow to the aorta • Can cause heart enlargement, left-sided heart failure, arrhythmias, and endocarditis • Signs and symptoms: In mild to moderate aortic stenosis, a heart murmur is easily detected, but usually there are no other symptoms o In severe cases, a newborn will develop heart failure in the first days of life o Treatment: Valvuloplasty or valve replacement (in more severe cases) Coarctation of the Aorta • Obstructive narrowing of the aorta • Can cause high blood pressure, aortic aneurysm, endocarditis, stroke, heart failure, and coronary artery disease • May occur with other cardiac defects, and is often seen in newborns with chromosomal abnormalities, such as Turner’s Syndrome • Signs and symptoms: In more severe narrowing, the patient will have symptoms earlier in life that include pale skin, sweating, irritability, and difficulty breathing • Treatment: Balloon angioplasty with stent placement Transposition of the Great Arteries • Pulmonary artery and aorta are reversed • Aorta arises from the right ventricle instead of the left and the pulmonary artery arises from the left ventricle instead of the right • Would be fatal, but it is normally accompanied by an additional defect, such as patent ductus arteriosus or a septal defect that allows for oxygenated blood flow • Can be diagnosed prenatally via ultrasound or after birth with echocardiogram • Signs and symptoms: Begin shortly after birth and include cyanosis, respiratory distress, weak pulse, and poor feeding • Treatment: Requires surgical correction shortly after birth Tetralogy of Fallot • Also known as blue baby syndrome

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