Congenital Heart Defects Cheatsheet

This nursing cheatsheet will help you learn about congenital heart defects (CHDs), which are structural abnormalities in the heart caused by improper development during gestation. CHDs are associated with chromosomal abnormalities, syndromes, and congenital defects, with risk factors including a family history of heart defects, maternal diabetes, and maternal use of alcohol or illicit drugs​​. CHDs can be classified based on whether they cause cyanosis, and how they affect hemodynamics in the heart, with examples including Atrial Septal Defect, Ventricular Septal Defect, Tetralogy of Fallot, and Coarctation of the aorta​​. Common signs and symptoms of CHDs include murmurs, irregular rhythms, clubbing of fingers and toes, and signs of heart failure like tachycardia and cyanosis​​. Treatment involves surgery, cardiac catheterization, medications like Digoxin and beta-blockers, and comprehensive nursing care focused on decreasing cardiac demands, minimizing respiratory distress, supporting nutrition, and monitoring fluids and electrolytes​​.