Cardio

Question 1

What is cardiac tamponade?

Answer 1

Compression of the heart caused by fluid collecting in the pericardial sac

It results in a weaker pump and less cardiac output.

Question 2

Why is cardiac tamponade considered a medical emergency?

Answer 2

It can lead to a dramatic drop in blood pressure that can be fatal

The heart cannot fill and pump effectively due to compression.

Question 3

What mnemonic can help remember key aspects of cardiac tamponade?

Answer 3

C - Cardiac Tamponade, C - Compression on the heart, C - Critical client!

This mnemonic highlights the urgency and nature of the condition.

Question 4

What are the acute causes of cardiac tamponade?

Answer 4

Trauma (stabbing or motor vehicle accident)

Acute causes involve sudden injury to the heart or pericardium.

Question 5

What is a chronic cause of cardiac tamponade?

Answer 5

Pericarditis

This is inflammation of the pericardium that can lead to fluid accumulation.

Question 6

What is Beck’s triad in relation to cardiac tamponade?

Answer 6

Big Jugular Vein Distension, Extreme Low BP, Can’t hear heart sounds

These signs are indicative of cardiac tamponade.

Question 7

What is pulse paradoxus?

Answer 7

Systolic drop of 10 mmHg

Example: A drop from 120/80 to 110/80 is a sign of cardiac tamponade.

Question 8

What are the characteristics of ECG findings in cardiac tamponade?

Answer 8

QRS complexes are short and uneven height

These changes can indicate the presence of cardiac tamponade.

Question 9

What is the first step in the treatment of cardiac tamponade?

Answer 9

Pericardiocentesis

This procedure involves draining the fluid from the pericardial sac.

Question 10

What is involved in the procedure of pericardiocentesis?

Answer 10

Cardiac monitor, catheter attached to drainage system, assess drainage

Monitoring and assessment are critical for patient safety during the procedure.

Question 11

What is Dilated Cardiomyopathy?

Answer 11

Fibrosis of myocardium and endocardium, dilated chambers, difficult pumping of oxygen-rich blood

Clients present with distended heart muscles

Question 12

What is Restrictive Cardiomyopathy characterized by?

Answer 12

Stiff heart muscles that restrict filling, common emboli

Think ‘rock hard’ heart muscles

Question 13

What is the main feature of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy?

Answer 13

Hypertrophy of heart muscles, especially in the septum, can obstruct aorta

Think ‘huge trophy-like’ heart muscles

Question 14

What does obstructive mean in the context of cardiomyopathy?

Answer 14

Blocks the aortic valve

Non-obstructive does not block the aorta

Question 15

What do all forms of cardiomyopathy lead to?

Answer 15

Less cardiac output, resulting in less oxygen-rich blood to the body

This is a critical factor in heart failure

Question 16

What is the only cause of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy?

Answer 16

Genetics only

Other types may have multiple causes

Question 17

List common signs and symptoms of low oxygen.

Answer 17

• Restlessness
• Agitation
• Altered level of consciousness
• Syncope
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

These symptoms are indicative of hypoxia

Question 18

What are signs of left-sided heart failure?

Answer 18

• Lung fluid

This can lead to pulmonary congestion

Question 19

What are signs of right-sided heart failure?

Answer 19

• Edema
• Ascites
• Jugular vein distention (JVD)

This reflects systemic congestion

Question 20

What is a significant physical finding in Dilated Cardiomyopathy?

Answer 20

53 murmur and cardiomegaly

Cardiomegaly refers to an enlarged heart

Question 21

What is the typical presentation of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy?

Answer 21

Typically asymptomatic until heavy exercise, can lead to sudden death

This is especially concerning in children

Question 22

What are the main classes of medications used in cardiomyopathy?

Answer 22

• ACE Inhibitors (e.g., Lisinopril)
• Beta Blockers (e.g., Atenolol)
• Calcium Channel Blockers (e.g., Diltiazem, Verapamil)
• Digoxin
• Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide, HCTZ)

Each class has specific roles in managing heart failure

Question 23

When should Digoxin be held?

Answer 23

• Apical pulse < 60
• Potassium (K+) < 3.5
• Digoxin level > 2.0

These conditions indicate risk for digoxin toxicity

Question 24

What are common side effects of Digoxin toxicity?

Answer 24

• Vision changes
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

Monitoring for these symptoms is crucial

Question 25

What are the lab tests used to assess heart function?

Answer 25

• Chest X-ray
• MRI
• Echocardiogram
• Angiography
• BNP levels

Each test provides different insights into heart health

Question 26

What is considered a normal ejection fraction (EF)?

Answer 26

55-70%

An EF of 40% or less indicates heart failure

Question 27

What BNP levels indicate heart failure?

Answer 27

• 100 or less: Normal
• 101-299: Mild elevation
• 300+: Mild heart failure
• 600+: Moderate heart failure
• 900+: Severe heart failure

BNP is a marker for heart failure severity

Question 28

What does the DRESS acronym stand for in patient education?

Answer 28

• Diet (low sodium & low fat)
• Rest periods
• Exercise
• Stop smoking & alcohol
• Stress reduction

These lifestyle changes are crucial for managing heart conditions