This document discusses congenital heart defects, specifically patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). It provides that PDA is one of the most common congenital heart defects, occurring in 1 in 2,500-5,000 infants and affecting females twice as often as males. PDA is caused by factors like prematurity, prostaglandin E, and other congenital defects. Clinical manifestations of PDA include respiratory distress, heart failure, low immune system, and frequent respiratory infections. The document lists nursing diagnoses related to PDA such as decreased cardiac output, impaired gas exchange, and risk for infection.

1. Mr. Tejas Pandya
M.Sc Nursing
Child Health Nursing
Parul Institute of Nursing
Congenital Heart Defects

11. Congenital Heart Defects • The word "congenital" means existing at birth. The
terms "congenital heart defect" and "congenital heart
disease" are often used to mean the same thing, but
"defect" is more accurate.
• Anatomic malformation of the heart or great vessels
which occurs during intrauterine development,
irrespective of the age at presentation.
• Congenital heart disease occurs in approximately 0.8%
of live births.
• The incidence is higher in stillborns (3-4%),
spontaneous abortuses (10-25%), and premature
infants (about 2% excluding patent ductusarteriosus
[PDA]

73. Incidences
• Patent ductus arteriosus is the most common congenital heart defect among adults.
• PDA is found in 1 of every 2, 500 to 5, 000 infants.
• It affects twice as many females as males.
Causes
• Normally, the ductus arteriosus closes within days to weeks after birth, and the
failure to close may be attributed to the following factors:
• Prematurity. PDA is most prevalent in premature neonates, probably as a result of
abnormalities in oxygenation.
• Prostaglandin E. The relaxant action of prostaglandin E prevents ductal spasm and
contracture necessary for closure.
• Other congenital defects. PDA commonly accompanies rubella syndrome and may
be associated with other congenital defects, such as coarctation of the aorta,
ventricular septal defect, and pulmonary and aortic stenosis.

74. Clinical Manifestations:
• Respiratory distress.
• Heart failure.
• Low immune system.
• Slow motor development.
• Physical underdevelopment.
• Heart murmur.
• Bounding peripheral pulses.
• Widened pulse pressure.
• Failure to thrive.
• Frequently respiratory infection.
• Dyspnea
• Chest pain
• Hoarseness of voice.

79. Nursing Diagnosis:
• Decreased cardiac output r / t cardiac malformations.
• Impaired gas exchange r / t pulmonary congestion.
• Activity intolerance r / t imbalance between oxygen consumption by the body,
and the supply of oxygen to the cells.
• Altered Growth and Development r / t inadequate supply of oxygen and
nutrients to the tissues.
• Imbalanced Nutrition, Less Than Body Requirements r / t fatigue at mealtime
and increased caloric needs.
• Risk for infection r / t decrease in health status.