A pediatric client in an adult ICU setting requiring a mechanical assist device and heart transplantation: Case study

Abstract

Intensive care unit nurses are often faced with challenging situations. This case study focuses on an older school-age child in an adult intensive care unit (ICU) for the placement of a biventricular assist device (BIVAD) and eventual heart transplantation. Discussion of the assist device and transplantation is included as well as a discussion of the nursing care issues. The care issues discussed include alteration in family processes, alteration in body image, and grieving related to the possibility of death.