Cardiac Issues

Question 1

Angina:

Answer 1

Tests:

EKG: May show ST-segment depression.
Stress test: Assesses heart’s response to exercise.
Cardiac biomarkers: Normal during stable angina.

Nursing Interventions:

Administer nitroglycerin for pain relief, oxygen therapy, monitor EKG, patient education on avoiding triggers.

Question 2

Myocardial Infarction (MI):

Answer 2

Tests:

EKG: ST elevation or depression, Q waves.
Cardiac biomarkers: Troponin, CK-MB elevated.
Coronary angiography: To assess blockages.

Nursing Interventions:

Administer morphine for pain, oxygen, aspirin, thrombolytics, or angioplasty, monitor cardiac rhythms and vital signs.

Question 3

Heart Failure (HF):

Answer 3

Tests:

BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide): Elevated in heart failure.
Echocardiogram: Measures ejection fraction.
Chest X-ray: May show pulmonary edema

Nursing Interventions:

Monitor fluid balance, administer diuretics (e.g., furosemide), ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), patient education on low-sodium diet.

Question 4

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Answer 4

Nursing Interventions:

Assess circulation, administer antiplatelet drugs (e.g., aspirin), encourage exercise, educate on foot care.

Question 5

Angina Meds:

Answer 5

Nitroglycerin: Relieves chest pain by dilating blood vessels.
Beta-blockers: Slow heart rate and reduce oxygen demand.
Calcium Channel Blockers: Reduce heart workload.

Question 6

Myocardial Infraction Meds

Answer 6

Morphine: Pain relief and vasodilation.
Aspirin/Clopidogrel: To prevent clotting.
ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril): Reduces afterload.
Beta-blockers: Reduces heart rate and workload.

Question 7

Heart Failure Meds

Answer 7

Diuretics (e.g., furosemide): Reduces fluid overload.
ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril): Reduces blood pressure and workload on the heart.
Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol): Reduces heart rate and prevents arrhythmias.

Question 8

Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) Meds

Answer 8

Antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin): Reduces clot formation.
Statins: Lower cholesterol.

Question 9

Nursing Management of Dysrhythmias

Answer 9

Monitor: Vital signs, heart rhythm (e.g., EKG), oxygen levels.

Administer Medications: As ordered (e.g., amiodarone, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers).

Prepare for Advanced Interventions: If needed (e.g., defibrillation for VT/VF, pacing for bradycardia).

Patient Education: Teach about rhythm monitoring, medication adherence, and lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise).