Examination of Ventricular Septal Defects and Arterial Aneurysms
According to Maternal Child Nursing Care, 5th Edition, Chapter 47 – Cardiovascular Dysfunction, congenital heart defects occur in about 5 to 8 of every 1000 live births, and 2 to 3 of those affected will be symptomatic within the first year of life (Hockenberry, 2014). When looking at the different pathophysiologies of congenital heart defects, the most common form of defect is the ventricular septal defect or VSD and there are genetic and environmental factors that affect incident rate. Ventricular septal defects can result in complications with perfusion, impaired gas exchange, issues with skin integrity, mobility, and fluid and electrolyte balance. One of the complications of smaller VSDs is the formation of an aortic aneurysm and other defects (Minette and Sahn, 2006).
Pathology of Ventricular Septal Defects
In a healthy heart, blood wants to follow the pressure gradient set by the body, from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure. The left ventricle controls systemic arterial …show more content…
With two cardiovascular issues, similar diagnostic tests are done to confirm the diagnosis of either ventricular septal defects and aortic aneurysms. Electrocardiograms can be done at the bedside to provide information about heart rate and rhythm, as well as ventricular hypertrophy, in conjunction with continuous cardiac monitoring (Hockenberry, 2014). Daily weights are also used to measure if there has been any fluid retention, which indicates heart failure (Hockenberry, 2014). Auscultation of the indicative murmur can also be used as an initial diagnosis, but not as definitive (Hockenberry, 2014). Echocardiograms can also be used to produce an ultrasound image of the hearts structures (Hockenberry, 2014). Other methods of detection of aneurysms include chest x-ray and computerized tomography or CT scan to provide an internal image of the aorta and the heart (Mayo Clinic,
According to Maternal Child Nursing Care, 5th Edition, Chapter 47 – Cardiovascular Dysfunction, congenital heart defects occur in about 5 to 8 of every 1000 live births, and 2 to 3 of those affected will be symptomatic within the first year of life (Hockenberry, 2014). When looking at the different pathophysiologies of congenital heart defects, the most common form of defect is the ventricular septal defect or VSD and there are genetic and environmental factors that affect incident rate. Ventricular septal defects can result in complications with perfusion, impaired gas exchange, issues with skin integrity, mobility, and fluid and electrolyte balance. One of the complications of smaller VSDs is the formation of an aortic aneurysm and other defects (Minette and Sahn, 2006).
Pathology of Ventricular Septal Defects
In a healthy heart, blood wants to follow the pressure gradient set by the body, from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure. The left ventricle controls systemic arterial …show more content…
With two cardiovascular issues, similar diagnostic tests are done to confirm the diagnosis of either ventricular septal defects and aortic aneurysms. Electrocardiograms can be done at the bedside to provide information about heart rate and rhythm, as well as ventricular hypertrophy, in conjunction with continuous cardiac monitoring (Hockenberry, 2014). Daily weights are also used to measure if there has been any fluid retention, which indicates heart failure (Hockenberry, 2014). Auscultation of the indicative murmur can also be used as an initial diagnosis, but not as definitive (Hockenberry, 2014). Echocardiograms can also be used to produce an ultrasound image of the hearts structures (Hockenberry, 2014). Other methods of detection of aneurysms include chest x-ray and computerized tomography or CT scan to provide an internal image of the aorta and the heart (Mayo Clinic,