Chronic hypoxemia in children with cyanotic heart disease.
Hypoxemia, visible as cyanosis, is present in infants and children with congenital cardiac defects that result in arterial desaturation. Although many of these defects can be surgically repaired, some children remain cyanotic. Chronic cyanosis causes adaptive changes such as polycythemia and potentially damaging changes in other organ systems. This article reviews the assessment and management of patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease. The physiologic consequences and associated medical problems of chronic cyanosis are highlighted. Nursing implications in caring for cyanotic children and young adults are discussed.
O'Brien
P
P
Smith
P A
PA
D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003490:Cyanosis / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy