Abstract

Aim. This paper reviews staff nurses roles in diagnosing and stabilizing neonates with congenital heart disease.

Background. Nowadays, development in managing congenital heart defects has increased survival and quality of life among neonates suffering these defects. Many attempts has been made to detect neonatal congenital heart disease before or immediately after birth, but a large number of neonates with heart problems remain undiagnosed before developing severe signs and symptoms. Although mild forms of the disease may subside spontaneously, severe conditions needs prompt management.

Method. In this literature review, papers published during the last 15 years, were searched out through search engines and data bases: Science Direct, Google Scholar, Ebsco, Pub Med, Ovid, Proquest by the keywords nursing care, congenital heart disease, neonatal, cardiac, and management.

Findings.Twenty three English papers about diagnosis and stabilization of neonatal congenital heart disease and a textbook were selected. The findings are presented within four domains: 1) physical examination, 2) symptoms of disease, 3) management in delivery room and neonatal stabilization, and 4) communication with the parents.

Conclusion. Nurses are the first health care members encounter neonates with congenital heart diseases. Early recognition and stabilization of congenital heart disease is the cornerstone of nursing care of neonates suffering this problem.