Which assessment finding in an infant with a congenital heart defect should be prioritized for reporting?

In an infant with a congenital heart defect, prioritizing assessment findings is crucial for ensuring timely intervention and management. Hyperpnea, which refers to an increased depth and rate of breathing, is a significant finding that warrants immediate attention. It can indicate that the infant is experiencing respiratory distress or compensatory mechanisms due to decreased oxygenation, which is often associated with congenital heart defects.

Congenital heart defects can lead to inadequate blood flow or mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, resulting in hypoxia. In response, the body tries to increase oxygen supply through hyperventilation, leading to hyperpnea. This finding suggests that the infant may not be achieving adequate oxygenation, and if not promptly addressed, could lead to serious complications.

Other findings such as bradycardia (a slower than normal heart rate) and hypopnea (decreased respiratory rate or effort) are also concerning, but hyperpnea often indicates that the infant is actively attempting to compensate for a critical issue, making it a priority for immediate reporting and assessment. Normal heart rate does not indicate any immediate concern and would not be prioritized in comparison to signs of respiratory distress such as hyperpnea.