ABSTRACT
Nursing an infant with congenital heart disease requires considerable clinical skill and knowledge of the particular defect. Parents will often ask the neonatal nurse to explain how the defect happened. Nurses familiar with embryonic development, fetal and neonatal blood flow, and normal cardiac function will be able to help parents better understand the nature of the defect. Recognising the signs and symptoms of heart disease and undertaking an accurate clinical assessment of the infant allows for early intervention and treatment. Nursing staff caring for these infants must be alert to any changes in respiratory effort, oxygenation, blood pressure and renal output. Monitoring these infants’ respiratory, cardiac and renal status enables the neonatal nurse to recognise any deviations and initiate appropriate management. The neonatal nurse is a vital link in the recognition and management of infants with congenital heart disease.
