Cardiovascular Assessment and Management Flashcards

Which sign is indicative of congestive heart failure (CHF) in a neonate?

Answer: Tachycardia, hepatomegaly, and poor feeding

Neonatal CHF presents with tachycardia, hepatomegaly (from venous congestion), poor feeding, and failure to thrive rather than peripheral edema.

A neonate with suspected cardiac tamponade will most likely show which triad of findings?

Answer: Beck's triad: hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and distended neck veins

Beck's triad—hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and jugular venous distension—classically describes cardiac tamponade from pericardial fluid accumulation.

Which drug is most appropriate for a neonate in septic shock unresponsive to fluid resuscitation?

Answer: Dopamine or norepinephrine

Vasopressors such as dopamine or norepinephrine are used to restore vascular tone and cardiac output in neonatal septic shock refractory to fluid.

Which neonatal cardiac lesion is associated with maternal anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies?

Answer: Congenital complete heart block

Maternal anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies cross the placenta and damage the fetal AV node, causing congenital complete heart block.

A neonate on ibuprofen for PDA closure develops oliguria and rising creatinine. What is the most appropriate next step?

Answer: Hold ibuprofen and reassess renal function

Ibuprofen-induced renal impairment requires holding the medication and reassessing kidney function before considering further doses or alternatives.

A preterm infant has persistently low blood pressure. Which condition should be ruled out before initiating vasopressors?

Answer: Adrenal insufficiency (especially after antenatal steroids)

Adrenal insufficiency in premature or steroid-exposed neonates can cause refractory hypotension that responds to hydrocortisone rather than vasopressors.