Cardiac Disorders Flashcards
The nurse is performing an assessment on a patient with a diagnosis of left-sided heart failure. Which assessment would the nurse prioritize?
A. Listening to lung sounds
B. Palpating for organomegaly
C. Assessing for jugular vein distention
D. Assessing for peripheral and sacral edema
Answer: A
Rationale: Left sided heart failure manifests in pulmonary edema. Auscultating lung sounds would be the priority to assess for fluid in the lungs.
The nurse is caring for a client with congestive heart failure. On assessment, the nurse notes that the client is dyspneic, and crackles are audible on auscultation. What additional manifestations would the nurse expect to note in this client if excess fluid volume is present?
A. Weight loss and dry skin
B. Flat neck and hand veins and decreased urinary output
C. An increase in blood pressure and increased respirations
D. Weakness and decreased PVR
Answer: C
Rationale: CHF would show manifestations of both left and right sided HF. With fluid volume overload you would assess for all signs.
A hospitalized client has been diagnosed with heart failure as a complication of hypertension. In explaining the disease process to the client, the nurse identifies which chamber of the heart as primarily responsible for the symptoms?
A. L Atrium
B. R Atrium
C. L Ventricle
D. R Ventricle
Answer: C
Bonus Q: How does HTN lead to Left sided HF?
A client has been admitted with left-sided heart failure. When planning care for the client, interventions should be focused on reduction of which specific problem associated with this type of heart failure?
A. JVD
B. Edema of the LE
C. Crackles in the lungs
D. Ascites
Answer: C
Rationale: Adventitious breath sounds, such as crackles, are an indicator of decreased left-sided heart function.
Crackles: Fluid in the lungs
The nurse is caring for a client with CHF in which both sides of the heart are affected. Which signs and symptoms could indicate acute exacerbation? SATA
A. Dry mucous membranes
B. Difficulty breathing
C. Dry skin
D. Presence of dependent edema
E. Neck vein distention in the upright position
Answer: B,D,E
Rationale: Signs and symptoms of dysfunction from both sides of the heart. Systemic and Pulmonary congestion is expected.
Which CM would you be concerned about with a patient who has a Pericardial Effusion? SATA
A. BP 70/30
B. Jugular Venous Distension
C. Audible heart sounds upon auscultation
D. HR 160
E. HR 95
Answer: A,B,D
What are we concerned about?
What is our known complication?
T/F: Dehydration will increase preload
True
False
Answer: False
Rationale: Decreased fluid would decreased blood volume and decrease blood return, thus decreasing preload
Define Afterload
A. How much blood leaves the heart each second
B. Electrical current required for the heart to beat
C. How much blood is loading the atria before contraction
D. Force the heart contraction must be to overcome resistance
Answer: D
Which are possible causes for L ventricular dysfunction? SATA
A. Pulmonic valve dysfunction
B. Acute MI
C. Cardiomyopathy
D. Aortic Stenosis
Answer: B,C,D
Rationale: The pulmonic valve is located between the R ventricle and the pulmonary arteries. Dysfunction would lead to R sided HF
Define Ejection Fraction
A. Percentage of blood volume entering the heart
B. Amount of blood left in the ventricle after contraction
C. The force required to eject blood from the heart
D. Percentage of the blood volume leaving the heart with each beat
Answer: D
Which are possible causes of Right Sided HF? SATA
A. Pulmonary HTN
B. Left Ventricle Dysfunction
C. COPD (Cor Pulmone)
D. Aortic stenosis
Answer: A,B,C
Rationale: Issues in the pulmonary circulation could lead to R sided HF because the R side loads the lungs and would become congested/have to work harder
You have a pt with R sided HF. Which weight findings would concern you? SATA
A. 2 lbs overnight
B. 2 lbs a week
C. 1 lb overnight
D. 5 lbs a week
Answer: A,D
Rationale: daily weights are the best way to determine fluid volume status
T/F Compensatory mechanisms worsen heart function long term
True
False
True
What effects do hypertrophy have on the heart? SATA
A. Decreases Filling capacity of ventricle
B. Decreases O2 demand
C. Stretches and thins heart muscle
D. Increases O2 demand
Answer: A,D
Rationale: Hypertrophy is an overgrowth of muscle. Big muscles work harder and take up more space.
Increased O2 demand
Thick muscle
Decreased filling space
What is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes?
A. Valvular Heart Disease
B. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
C. CHF
D. Cardiac Tampanode
Answer: B
Rationale: Young athletes don’t typically have risk factors for heart disease. HCM is due to a genetic disorder that the patient is born with.
