Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 28, 2026

Pediatric Animal Model of Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation After Prolonged Circulatory Arrest
Published on: May 26, 2023
Evolving a Historic Theory to Address a Modern Threat: Infant Stress-Mediated Cardiac Arrest Following Cardiac
Christine M Riley1, Christine Pintz, Ashleigh Harlow
1Author Affiliations: Division of Cardiac Critical Care, Department of Nursing Science, Professional Practice & Quality, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC; George Washington University-School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC (Dr Riley); George Washington University - School of Nursing, Washington, DC (Drs Pintz, Darcy-Mahoney, and Zhou); Nemours Children's Health, Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Wilmington, DE (Dr Harlow); Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN; Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN (Dr Mastropietro); Department of Nursing Science, Professional Practice & Quality, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC; George Washington University - School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC (Dr Hinds).
Abstract:
Infants undergoing cardiac surgery are vulnerable to cardiac arrest and subsequent morbidity and mortality. While various risk factors for postoperative cardiac arrest have been identified, no comprehensive framework exists to explain the interrelationships among them. In this study, we first extended Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome to illustrate the mechanisms leading to postoperative cardiac arrest in this population. We then interviewed 17 expert clinicians to explore infant stress exposure and stress response across the clinical trajectory. Using the qualitative data, we revised and evolved our initial theoretical framework. The evolved theory offers a foundation for future nursing research and clinical practice.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management
Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
