Discharge teaching after a ventricular septal defect cardiac catheterization should include which precaution?

• A. Restriction of activities for 3 weeks
• B. Use of sponge baths until stitches removed
• C. Use of prophylactic antibiotics before receiving any dental work
• D. Maintenance of a pressure dressing until a return visit

Answer: (C)

The important idea here is preventing infective endocarditis in children with congenital heart disease who have had a catheterization or repair involving heart tissue or prosthetic material. Dental procedures can cause transient bacteremia, and that bacteria can seed abnormal heart tissue or prosthetic material, leading to a serious infection. Therefore, giving antibiotic prophylaxis before dental work is recommended to reduce this risk. That’s why discharge teaching should emphasize having antibiotics prescribed and taken before dental procedures, and that the dentist should be informed about the child’s CHD and recent catheterization or repair. Other precautions listed—like long activity restrictions, sponge baths, or keeping a pressure dressing—are not the preventive focus for this specific risk.