Pharmacologic interventions for the neonate with compromised cardiac function

Abstract

The developmental aspects of myocardial performance must be considered when pharmacologic agents are used to support the neonate with compromised cardiac function. Neonatal cardiovascular function is characterized by a limited preload reserve, decreased ventricular compliance, limited contractile reserve, and CO that is primarily dependent on the HR. Nurses caring for these neonates need a baseline understanding of normal cardiovascular physiology to evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacologic interventions to augment CO. Neonatal nurses play a pivotal role in the therapeutic management of pharmacologic interventions to provide safe, high quality care for the sick neonate.