Cardiac Flashcards
*What are the two main types of heart failure mentioned in the context?**
Left sided and right sided failure
What type of edema maintains an indentation after being pressed?
Pitting edema
What is the role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in response to decreased renal blood flow?
Increase blood pressure and retain sodium and water
What does an elevated C-reactive protein level indicate? (CRP TEST)
Higher inflammation in blood vessels
Describe the anatomy of the cardiac system.
The cardiac system includes the heart and blood vessels.
Anatomy: Heart has four chambers (atria and ventricles), valves, and major vessels (aorta, pulmonary arteries, veins).
Describe the physiology of the cardiac system.
Physiology: Pumps blood, delivers oxygen/nutrients, removes waste. Regulates blood flow and pressure.
Discuss the importance of monitoring vital signs during an Exercise Stress Test.
-Assess heart response to physical stress
-Detect abnormalities in heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing
-Identify potential risks like coronary artery disease
-Ensure patient safety during exercise
-Guide post-test exercise recommendations
Explain the nursing management strategies for patients with congestive heart failure.
-Monitor vital signs and fluid status
-Educate on lifestyle changes (diet, weight management)
-Promote physical activity (low-level exercises)
-Manage medications and adherence
-Address anxiety and sleep patterns
-Support nutritional needs and fluid restrictions
Explain how altered renal function can impact overall cardiac health.
Altered renal function can impact cardiac health by:
-Decreased renal blood flow leads to increased blood pressure
-Activation of the renin-angiotensin system causes sodium and water retention
-Prolonged renal issues can impair filtration and excretion
-Increased preload and afterload can decrease cardiac output and lead to heart failure
How can blood chemistry profiles assist in evaluating a patient’s risk for heart disease?
Blood chemistry profiles help evaluate heart disease risk by measuring:
-Lipid levels (cholesterol, triglycerides)
-C-reactive protein (inflammation marker)
-Blood glucose and urea nitrogen
what the mean of thrombolytic therapy ?
thrombolytic therapy or percutaneous coronary intervention should also be considered for this patient with ST-segment elevation and elevated troponin levels.
What is a common symptom associated with angina pectoris?
-Shortness of breath can be a symptom of heart issues, but chest pain is the hallmark of angina. Confusion is understandable given the overlap of cardiovascular symptoms.
-Chest pain is the hallmark symptom of angina pectoris, resulting from reduced oxygen supply to the heart muscle. This pain can be severe, crushing, and radiate to other areas like the jaw, neck, or arms.
What diagnostic evaluation would be most useful in determining the extent of myocardial damage after the patient’s presentation with ST-segment elevation?
Cardiac MRI
what the mean of cardiac MRI
-A heart MRI is a scan of your heart in which radio waves and magnets create images without anything you can see or feel going into your body.
-A cardiac MRI can show the parts of your heart (including chambers, valves and muscles) and how well they are working ― including how your blood moves.
Given the patient’s symptoms and history, which test would provide immediate information regarding potential arrhythmias or prior heart muscle injury?
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
What factors contribute to the development of coronary atherosclerosis?
Factors contributing to coronary atherosclerosis include:
-High cholesterol levels
-High blood pressure
-Smoking
-Diabetes
-Obesity
-Sedentary lifestyle
Poor diet (high in saturated fats)
-Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction
what is the major risk factor for heart issues
Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart issues, unlike family history of diabetes.
Hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, as it contributes to the development of atherosclerosis and increases the workload on the heart.
This can lead to conditions like myocardial infarction, especially in older adults.
What is the most critical initial nursing intervention for this patient for potential MI ?
Oxygen and vital sign monitoring are immediate priorities to stabilize the patient. You may have been confused because ambulation improves circulation generally, but not in acute MI.
What preventive measures can be taken to reduce the risk of developing coronary artery disease?
To reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, take these preventive measures:
-Quit smoking
-Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
-Eat a healthy diet (low in
saturated fat and sodium)
-Maintain a healthy weight
Exercise regularly (30 mins most days)
-Manage stress
Consider low-dose aspirin if at high risk
What condition may cause distended jugular veins when a client is at a 45° angle?
Right-sided heart failure
What can cause palpitations during mild exercise?
Stress and fatigue
What are the clinical manifestations of myocardial infarction?
-chest pain and pain in the left arm
-dyspnea
-diaphoresis and changes in pulse or blood pressure.
-discomfort radiating to the neck or jaw, low cardiac output, and ECG changes.
What does an elevated total cholesterol level in the fasting lipid profile indicate about the patient’s risk?
It suggests an increased risk of heart disease due to potential atherosclerosis.
What is the purpose of a Holter Monitor?
To record heart activity continuously
