Pediatric Nursing Demystified

Test Results

Cardiac catheterization: Catheters are inserted into the heart via a large

peripheral vein and advanced into the heart to measure pressures and

oxygen levels in heart chambers and visualize heart structures and blood

flow patterns. Reveals septal defect and left ventricular hypertrophy.

Pulse oximetry (SpO 2 ): Device used to evaluate the degree of oxygen

saturation in the blood using a small infrared light probe. Decreased oxygen

saturation levels.

Electrocardiogram: Detects electrical events normal and abnormal

cardiac rhythm in the heart. Evidence of ventricular hypertrophy.

Echocardiogram: Two-dimensional Doppler evaluation to detect evidence

of valve leakage, cardiac anatomy, size, and function. Reveals Aortic

stenosis and any other cardiac defects.

Treatment

Balloon angioplasty

Excision of a membrane

Cutting of the fibromuscular ring

Nursing Interventions for Child Undergoing Cardiac

Catheterization

Prepare the patient for cardiac catheterization:

• Take complete nursing history.


• Patient must be NPO for 4 to 6 hours.


• Complete assessment including calculation of body surface area.


• Check for allergies; allergies to iodine, contrast dyes, and shellfish
  should be relayed to the physician prior to the procedure.


• Document baseline assessment of pedal pulses and pulse oximetry.


• Utilize child life specialists to alleviate anxiety for the child and family.


• Arrange a tour of the lab with the child if age appropriate.


• Explain specific aspects of the procedure such as the placement of
  the IV and ECG electrodes.


• Demonstrate how the skin will be washed with brown soap and how
  the skin will be numbed.


• Explain how the contrast affects the patient and how sedation will
  make the child feel.
  Care of the patient after cardiac catheterization:


• Monitor patient with cardiac monitor and pulse oximeter prior to
  discharge.


• Monitor the patient for
  Temperature and color distal to the catheter insertion site
  A pulse of the extremity distal to the catheter insertion site


• Take vital signs every 15 minutes for the first hour and hourly
  thereafter.

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(^112) Pediatric Nursing Demystified