Acyanotic Congenital Heart Defects: Part 1

In this lesson we will discuss  Acyanotic Congenital Heart Defects in more detail: specifically Atrial Septal Defect or ASD and Ventricular Septal Defect or VSD. We will discuss signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and common treatments. Then we will explore assessments and the priority nursing interventions.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this lesson, the learner will be able to:

1. Describe Acyanotic Congenital Heart Defects in terms of how they affect blood flow. On a diagram, describe typical blood flow, then describe blood flow with Atrial Septal defect and Ventricular Septal Defect. Describe 2-4 signs and symptoms for each condition, and 2 possible complications.
2. Describe 2-3 risk factors for Congenital Heart Defects, 2 methods of diagnosis, 2 types of treatment, and 2-3 priority nursing interventions.