143: Neonatal Cardiogenic Shock: What Every Pediatric Nurse Needs to Know with Pediatric ICU Nurse Natalie

Why would a healthy newborn suddenly stop eating and start vomiting? When a fussy baby comes into the ER, it's easy to assume it's nothing urgent — like colic or gas. But in today's case, there were small signs that pointed to something more.

This episode unpacks the high-risk condition and treatment of neonatal cardiogenic shock with Natalie Pleiman, pediatric nurse and clinical coach. From the early (often misleading) signs to critical assessments, you'll learn what makes cardiogenic shock different in neonates (specifically ductal dependent lesions), what to look for in patient labs, and how to manage the risks of treatment.

Tune in for insights that will help you on your next pediatric cardiac emergency!

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Neonatal triage: initial assessment and red flags
• Physical exam and early diagnostics
• Differences in neonatal anatomy and physiology
• Preductal vs. postductal vitals
• Signs of coarctation of the aorta
• Assessing for sepsis vs. cardiogenic shock
• The dangers of fluid boluses
• How to effectively administer prostaglandins
• The risk and process of neonatal intubation
• Pathophysiology of coarctation of the aorta
• ICU stabilization to optimize cardiac function
• Key signs of congenital heart conditions
• Natalie’s framework for understanding congenital heart defects

Connect with Natalie:

https://www.instagram.com/chatwithnat_rn/

Listen to Chat with Nurse Nat on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/7Jh2qe44KipudVKkdXFwWH

Listen to Chat with Nurse Nat on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chat-with-nurse-nat/id1815541418

Mentioned in this episode:

Listen to the In The Heart of Care Podcast

https://link.cohostpodcasting.com/6598429e-e927-45b0-9b57-7dd34a09d803?d=seASyqjs7