Nursing Interventions for Child Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
Provide preoperative care of the child undergoing cardiac surgery:- Make inquiries to parents and caregivers as to any questions they
may have about the procedure. - Orient child and family to strange surrounding prior to surgery day.
- Check chart for signed informed consent forms.
- Check identification band with surgical personnel to ensure identity.
- Ensure side rails are securely fastened.
- Use restraints for transport.
- Check laboratory values for signs of systemic alterations.
- Bathe and groom the child.
- Provide mouth care for comfort while NPO.
- Cleanse operative site with prescribed method.
- Administer antibiotics as ordered.
- Remove jewelry, makeup, and prosthetics as needed.
- Check for loose teeth.
- Institute preoperative teaching to reduce anxiety.
- Prepare child and family for postoperative procedures such as
nasogastric tube, wound care, and monitoring apparatus. - Administer preoperative sedation.
Provide postoperative care for the child undergoing cardiac surgery: - Make sure child is in safe position of comfort according to the physi-
cian’s order. - Perform stat orders.
- Use proper handwashing.
- Assess wound for bleeding and signs of infection.
- Provide appropriate wound care.
- Assess breath sounds.
- Perform neurologic checks.
- Take frequent vital signs.
- Administer fluids to prevent hypotension.
- Monitor fluids losses through chest tube.
- Administer pharmacologic support as ordered.
- Monitor electrolytes and supplement with infusion as ordered.
- Administer sedatives and analgesics for comfort.
- Allow caregivers to visit as soon as possible.
- Explain procedures and equipment to caregivers.
- Encourage caregivers to ask questions.
- Involve child life specialist and social services in the care to support
the child and family.
Aortic Stenosis
What Went Wrong?
Aortic stenosis (AS) is a narrowing or a stricture of the aortic valve that results in15(^110) Pediatric Nursing Demystified