Evolving a Historic Theory to Address a Modern Threat: Infant Stress-Mediated Cardiac Arrest Following Cardiac Surgery

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.