Current strategies in the nursing care of infants with hypoplastic left-heart syndrome undergoing first-stage palliation with the Norwood operation.

Hypoplastic left-heart syndrome is a common congenital heart defect that carries a mortality rate of 95% in the first month of life if left untreated. In the past, surgical options were not accepted. However, recent success with the Norwood operation as part of a staged reconstructive approach has renewed interest in operative intervention for these critically ill neonates. Assessment of the balance between systemic and pulmonary blood flow is critical to maintain cardiac output and systemic saturation.