Permit the baby to remain with the mother or father. An intraosseus insertion could be an immediate lifesaving tool. Hypercyanotic episodes are characterized by paroxysms of hyperpnea, prolonged crying, intense cyanosis, and decreased intensity of the murmur of pulmonic stenosis. Oxygen is of limited value since the primary abnormality is reduced pulmonary blood flow. Treat acidosis with sodium bicarbonate, which may reduce the respiratory center stimulating effect of acidosis.
General anesthesia is a last resort.
The goals of therapy are to reduce the ventilatory drive, decrease systemic venous return, and increase peripheral venous return. Analgesics - These agents reduce ventilatory drive. Pain control ensures patient comfort and promotes pulmonary toilet. Most analgesics have sedating properties, which are beneficial for patients who are having hypercyanotic episodes. Administered IV, may be dosed in number of ways and commonly titrated until desired effect obtained.