Heart & Neck Vessels: Infant and Pregnancy Cardiac Assessment

What is the foramen ovale?

An opening in the atrial septum that shunts oxygenated blood from the right to the left atrium in fetal circulation.

What does the ductus arteriosus do?

Diverts blood from the pulmonary artery to the aorta in fetal circulation.

Where does oxygenation occur in fetal circulation?

At the placenta, not the lungs.

What happens to the foramen ovale at birth?

It closes within the first hour due to pressure changes.

What is the normal heart rate range for infants immediately after birth?

100 to 180 beats per minute (BPM).

What is a common murmur in infants due to fetal shunt closure?

Murmur of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

At what age does the heart reach its adult position?

At age 7.

What percentage does plasma volume increase during the 2nd trimester of pregnancy?

40%.

How much does blood volume peak during the 3rd trimester?

45% greater than pre-pregnancy levels.

What happens to heart rate during pregnancy?

It increases by 15-25%.

What is the effect of uterine enlargement on heart position?

It causes the heart to be displaced up and to the left.

What is a functional systolic murmur?

A murmur heard in more than 95% of pregnant people due to increased blood volume.

What causes lower extremity edema during pregnancy?

Enlarging fetus impeding venous return and lower colloid osmotic pressure.

What is the first step in the cardiac cycle?

Deoxygenated blood enters the right atrium from the body.

What occurs in the lungs during the cardiac cycle?

Blood becomes oxygenated.

What are the functions of the atrioventricular (AV) valves?

They open during diastole to allow blood into ventricles and close during systole to prevent backflow.

What causes the first heart sound (S1)?

Closure of the AV valves (mitral and tricuspid).

What indicates heart failure?

Signs include dilated pupils, pale or cyanotic skin, dyspnea, and decreased blood pressure.

What is a common symptom of heart failure related to fluid?

Cough with frothy pink or white sputum.

What is the significance of jugular vein distention?

It indicates venous congestion.

What is the relationship between cardiac output and heart failure?

Decreased cardiac output occurs when the heart fails as a pump.

What is a common finding in heart failure related to urine output?

Decreased urine output.

What is an S3 gallop?

An abnormal heart sound that can indicate heart failure.

What happens to the heart's force of contraction during pregnancy?

It increases.

What is the role of chordae tendineae?

They anchor the atrioventricular valves to the papillary muscles.

What does the aorta do in the systemic circulation?

Delivers oxygenated blood to the body after oxygen delivery.

What is the normal apical rate in a healthy individual?

Approximately 92 bpm.

What is the expected rhythm of a healthy heart?

Regular rhythm with no extra heart sounds (S3 or S4).