What is one of the assessments performed for a newborn with congenital heart defects?

Monitoring for signs of heart failure is particularly important in newborns with congenital heart defects because these conditions can lead to various cardiovascular complications. Congenital heart defects can impair the normal flow of blood through the heart and may lead to increased workload on the heart, causing symptoms such as tachypnea (rapid breathing), retractions, poor feeding, and lethargy.

Identifying these signs early is crucial, as they can indicate that the heart is not effectively pumping blood, which may require immediate medical intervention. Assessments typically involve observing respiratory patterns, heart rate, and general health status in the newborn to gauge the heart’s performance and ensure that adequate oxygenation and nutrient delivery are maintained, which is vital for the infant's growth and development.

Other assessments, while important in the overall evaluation of a newborn, do not directly address the immediate concerns associated with congenital heart defects as specifically as monitoring for signs of heart failure does.