Acyanotic lesions with increased pulmonary blood flow.

The neonatal nurse is a vital link in the recognition and management of infants born with congenital heart disease. This article examines the acyanotic cardiac defects with increased pulmonary blood flow: patent ductus arteriosus, atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, and endocardial cushion defects. The hemodynamics, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, surgical repair, and medical management of each defect are presented. Parental teaching needs are identified and discussed.