Atrial septal defect
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
CardiacPediatricsOB / Newbornmedium priorityneeds review
Atrial septal defect
Also testable as: ASD
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Congenital hole in the septum between the atria.
- Left-to-right shunting can increase pulmonary blood flow and strain the right side of the heart over time.
Medications
No specific medication class was seeded for this card.
Nursing actions
- Assess murmur, fatigue with feeds or activity, respiratory infections, growth, and cyanosis.
- Monitor for heart failure signs in infants and children.
- Teach follow-up and closure/procedure expectations if ordered.
Complications
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Right heart enlargement
- Dysrhythmias
- Stroke risk in selected defects
NCLEX cues
- Often subtle murmur or exercise intolerance.
- Infant cardiac issues often show during feeding.
Memory hooks
- ASD is a hole between atria.
Labs / Diagnostics
- Echocardiogram
- Pulse oximetry
- Chest x-ray or ECG when ordered
Review notes
- Supplemental wife-requested study card. Use for NCLEX review only and verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy.