Recognition, stabilization, and early management of infants with critical congenital heart disease presenting in the first days of life.

The incidence of infants born with congenital heart disease (CHD) is about 0.8% of all live births. Out of this at-risk population, approximately one-third will develop life-threatening symptoms of critical CHD within the first few days of life. These infants present the neonatal team with a variety of challenges, and require early identification along with proper stabilization and treatment to survive. The neonatal nurse plays a vital role in recognizing the first signs and symptoms of cardiac distress. This article discusses the most common life-threatening congenital cardiac lesions, reviews their pathophysiology, and outlines the initial medical and nursing management. A through understanding of these concepts can help the nurse improve patient outcomes.