Pediatric Cardiology: Stressors, Reactions, and Interventions

Abstract

Pediatric cardiology clients, in various stages of diagnosis and repair, and their parents were observed during clinic visits, hospitalization for cardiac catheterization, and hospitalization for palliative surgical repair. In addition, the parents were interviewed and asked to identify factors they found overwhelming, frightening, or threatening. The stressors are identified and supported with examples of parent and client behavior. The nursing interventions utilized are identified and their effects exemplified through the use of case studies. A clinical specialist's role in pediatric cardiology is proposed.