Cardio T12-20 Flashcards
- What is sudden cardiac death (SCD)?
Sudden cardiac death is an unexpected non-traumatic death occurring within one hour of symptom onset in a clinically stable patient, primarily caused by ventricular arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation.
How does sudden cardiac arrest differ from sudden cardiac death?
Sudden cardiac arrest is the sudden loss of cardiac output, which can potentially be reversible with prompt restoration of circulation and oxygenation, while sudden cardiac death refers to the actual death that occurs.
What are the two major causes of sudden cardiac death?
The two major causes of sudden cardiac death are acute coronary syndrome and cardiomyopathies.
What is the primary goal of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)?
The primary goal of CPR is to maintain circulation in patients experiencing sudden cardiac arrest until cardiac function can be restored.
What are the two main protocols for CPR?
The two main protocols for CPR are Basic Life Support (BLS) for lay rescuers and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) for medical professionals.
What steps are included in Basic Life Support (BLS)?
BLS includes checking the patient’s responsiveness, calling for help, performing chest compressions and rescue breaths (30:2 ratio), and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) if available.
What is the Chain of Survival in CPR?
The Chain of Survival includes:
Check responsiveness and call for help.
Immediate CPR.
Early defibrillation.
Early advanced life support.
What are the steps in BLS regarding airway management?
In BLS, airway management involves clearing any obstruction and positioning the airway using head tilt or chin lift maneuvers.
Describe the CPR compression technique.
CPR compressions should be at a rate of 100 compressions per minute and a depth of 5-6 cm. Compressions should continue until emergency medical services (EMS) arrive.
How is an AED used in CPR?
Place one pad on the right chest above the nipple and the other pad on the left side below the nipple. Most AEDs are automatic and will provide prompts for shock delivery; continue CPR after any shock is administered.
What is included in Advanced Life Support (ALS)?
ALS includes continuing CPR, activating the emergency response system, securing the airway (if needed), providing rescue breaths or artificial ventilation, and using a defibrillator for shockable rhythms.
What medical therapy is administered in ALS if defibrillation is ineffective?
If defibrillation does not restore normal rhythm, administer 1 mg of IV epinephrine every 3-5 minutes.
What are acute aortic syndromes (AAS)?
Acute aortic syndromes are emergency conditions involving the aorta that may lead to intramural hematoma, penetrating aortic ulcer, aortic dissection, or rupture.
What is an aortic dissection?
Aortic dissection is a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, causing blood to accumulate in the intima-media space, resulting in a progressively growing hematoma.
What are the main risk factors for aortic dissection?
Age and hypertension are the main risk factors for aortic dissection.
How does a patient with aortic dissection typically present?
Patients with aortic dissection typically present with sudden onset severe pain radiating to the chest, back, or abdomen.
What is a key finding on a chest X-ray in aortic dissection?
A widened mediastinum on chest X-ray is a characteristic finding in aortic dissection.
How is the diagnosis of aortic dissection confirmed in stable vs. unstable patients?
In stable patients, diagnosis is confirmed with a CT angiogram, and in unstable patients, it is confirmed with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).
What are the treatment options for aortic dissection?
Treatment ranges from conservative measures like blood pressure control to surgery, such as aortic stent graft placement, depending on the severity and location of the dissection.
What are common complications of aortic dissection?
Common complications include complete occlusion of branching vessels and aortic rupture.
What are the two main classifications of aortic dissection?
The two main classifications of aortic dissection are the Stanford and DeBakey classifications.
How does the Stanford classification system categorize aortic dissections?
The Stanford classification is based on whether the ascending aorta (Stanford type A) or descending aorta (Stanford type B) is involved.
What is the DeBakey classification of aortic dissection?
The DeBakey classification categorizes aortic dissection based on its origin and extent:
Type I: involves the ascending aorta and extends beyond it.
Type II: confined to the ascending aorta.
Type III: confined to the descending aorta.