Cardiovascular shock in the infant (from Coarctation of the Aorta)

To develop a general approach to cardiovascular shock in neonates, infants and children.

  • Ong, K. Alim Nagji    
  • None   
  • May 31, 2025, 5:33 p.m.   

  • Cardiology, Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics   
  • Residents   
  • Defibrillator, ECG Leads/Wires, ET Tubes, IV Equip., Nasal Prongs, NIBP Cuff, Pulse Oximeter, Venturi Mask   

  • 2   
  • < 30 Min   
  • Urban Hospital   
Cardiovascular shock in the infant (from Coarctation of the Aorta)

Description

 
Goals and Learning Objectives

Overall Goal: To develop a general approach to cardiovascular shock in neonates, infants and children.

CRM Learning Objectives:

  1. Effectively lead a neonatal resuscitation and seek input from others.
  2. Use effective communication strategies, including closed loop communication and summarizing events for team.
  3. Recognize unique transport requirements of children with congential heart disease requiring resuscitation. These likely require referral to a regional cardiac care facility.

Medical Learning Objectives:

  1. Recognize cardiovascular shock in the neonate.
  2. Develop differential diagnosis for cyanosis and cardiovascular shock in the pediatric population.
  3. Work-up for cyanosis and cardiovascular shock.
  4. Management of pediatric patient in cardiovascular shock. 
 
Technical/Equipment Recommendations

Time Recommended: 40-50 minutes total (10 min Setup | 10 min Scenario | 20-30 min Debrief)

Patient Recommendation: Neonatal Mannequin

Medical Equipment:

  • EKG Leads/Wires
  • NIBP Cuff
  • Pulse Oximeter
  • Defibrillator Pads
  • Gloves
  • Stethoscope
  • IV Bags/Lines
  • Intraosseous Set-up
  • Nasal Prongs
  • Venturi Mask
  • Non-Rebreather Mask
  • Bag Valve Mask
  • ET Tubes
  • LMA
  • Broselow Tape

Medications:

  • IV Push Medications
 
Supporting Roles and Scripts
Role Description (Role, Behaviour, Key Moments, Script)
Resuscitation Nurse

Hooks patient up the monitors. Provides additional vitals if requested. Frequently describes the patient as pale with peripheral cyanosis in the lower extremities, lethargic, tachycardic, tachypneic.

 
Moulage and Scenario Set-Up

Moulage: 

Mom brought in this 10 day old male by private vehicle for concerns today about lethargy and poor feeding and mom thought his toes looked blue today. 


Additional history if asked:
10-day-old male brought in by parents for pallor, peripheral cyanosis, lethargy, poor feeding and decreased urine output.  Past medical history includes Mom being GBS negative, seroprotective serology, and born at term without complications. 
Over the past two days, he has declined. His parents have noticed that he is progressively more lethargic, feeding poorly and has only made 1 diaper today. Moreover, they have noticed that he looks paler and that his feet feel colder and look “bluer”. Thus, they brought him into the Emergency Department. Upon examination, he is tachycardic (HR 190 bpm), tachypneic (RR 40/min), femoral pulses are weak while brachial pulses are bounding, and the upper extremities have a higher BP than the lower extremities. There are no urti symptoms, fever or sick contacts. 

Set-Up: Infant mannequin dressed as 10-day-old male and weighed 3.75 kg at birth.

 
 
Printable Supporting Documents (Will also be accessible at relevant Scenario Stage)
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  • Insert Link Here

Note: While prepping for your simulation, don't forget to prep for the debrief. Become comfortable with your chosen framework, review your objectives. For additional debriefing resources, see our Resources page.

Credits:
Original Author: 
Katalina Ong (Family Medicine, PGY-1); Alim Nagji CCFP-EM DRCPSC
Date: May 26, 2025
Originally published on: June 11, 2019
Reviewed by: 
James Leung (Peds ER), Meena Ranganathan (Pediatrics)