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Intensive Care of the Adult With Congenital Heart Disease: Perioperative Management and Nursing Considerations

Roald Dahl

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Published in Intensive Care Of The Adult With Congenital Heart Disease (Congenital Heart Disease In Adolescents And Adults)

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Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect, affecting approximately 1% of live births (1). Advances in medical and surgical care have led to improved survival rates for children with CHD, resulting in a growing population of adults with CHD (2). These adults often require specialized care, including intensive care management (3).

Intensive Care of the Adult with Congenital Heart Disease (Congenital Heart Disease in Adolescents and Adults)

by Danielle Rousseau

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The perioperative period is a critical time for adults with CHD, as they are at increased risk for complications (4). Careful planning and management is essential to ensure a successful outcome. This article will discuss the intensive care management of adults with CHD, including perioperative management and nursing considerations.

Perioperative Management

The perioperative management of adults with CHD requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, intensivists, and nurses. The following are key considerations:

* Preoperative Assessment: A thorough preoperative assessment is essential to identify potential risks and develop an individualized care plan. This assessment should include a detailed history and physical examination, as well as imaging studies and laboratory tests. * Intraoperative Management: The intraoperative management of adults with CHD requires a specialized approach. The anesthesiologist must be familiar with the patient's anatomy and physiology, and the surgical team must be experienced in CHD surgery. * Postoperative Care: The postoperative care of adults with CHD requires close monitoring and management. The patient should be admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) for close observation and support.

Nursing Considerations

Nurses play a vital role in the care of adults with CHD. They are responsible for monitoring the patient's condition, administering medications, and providing support to the patient and family. The following are key nursing considerations:

* Assessment: Nurses should assess the patient's vital signs, respiratory status, and neurological status frequently. They should also be alert to signs of complications, such as arrhythmias, heart failure, and sepsis. * Monitoring: Nurses should monitor the patient's electrocardiogram (ECG),pulse oximetry, and invasive hemodynamic monitoring, as indicated. They should also monitor the patient's fluid balance and electrolytes. * Medication Administration: Nurses should administer medications as prescribed by the physician. They should be familiar with the action and side effects of all medications used in the care of adults with CHD. * Patient and Family Support: Nurses should provide support to the patient and family throughout the perioperative period. They should answer questions, provide reassurance, and help the patient and family cope with the stress of the situation.

Intensive care management of adults with CHD requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, intensivists, and nurses. Careful planning and management is essential to ensure a successful outcome. Nurses play a vital role in the care of adults with CHD, providing monitoring, medication administration, and support to the patient and family.

Intensive Care of the Adult with Congenital Heart Disease (Congenital Heart Disease in Adolescents and Adults)

by Danielle Rousseau

5 out of 5