Cardiology Flashcards
Q: What is cardiac perfusion?
A: The process of delivering oxygenated blood to the heart muscle and other tissues.
Q: What is the function of the cardiac conduction system?
A: It generates and transmits electrical impulses to control heartbeats.
Q: What is hypertension?
A: A condition where blood pressure is consistently too high, increasing the risk of heart disease
Q: What regulates capillary blood flow?
A: Precapillary sphincters and autoregulation mechanisms adjust blood flow to tissues.
Q: What makes up the circulatory system?
A: The heart, blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries), and blood.
Q: What are the major structures of the heart?
A: The atria, ventricles, valves, and major vessels (aorta, pulmonary arteries/veins).
Q: What is the function of the heart valves?
A: They prevent backflow of blood and ensure one-way circulation.
Q: What are the common signs and symptoms of a myocardial infarction (heart attack)?
A: Chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, and radiating pain.
Q: What are atypical signs of a myocardial infarction?
A: Jaw pain, fatigue, back pain, or nausea (more common in women and elderly patients).
Q: What are the signs and symptoms of angina pectoris?
A: Chest pain or discomfort triggered by exertion and relieved by rest or nitroglycerin.
Q: What are the signs and symptoms of cardiogenic shock?
A: Low blood pressure, weak pulse, cool and clammy skin, confusion, and rapid breathing.
Q: What are the signs and symptoms of heart failure?
A: Shortness of breath, swelling in legs, fatigue, and persistent coughing.
Q: What are the signs and symptoms of a thoracic aneurysm?
A: Chest or back pain, difficulty breathing, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing.
Q: What are common causes of coronary artery disease?
A: High cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle.
How do you treat a patient with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)?
Maintain airway, provide oxygen, monitor vitals, and prepare for advanced care.
When should a patient be transported immediately?
If they have unstable vital signs, unmanageable pain, or life-threatening conditions.
What are indications for providing chest compressions?
If the patient is unresponsive, has no pulse, and is not breathing normally.
When should an AED be used?
When a patient is in cardiac arrest and has no pulse.
When should an AED be applied?
As soon as possible after recognizing cardiac arrest.
When should CPR be provided along with AED use?
When the AED is not immediately available or after a shock is delivered.
What techniques are used to assess a cardiac patient?
Check airway, breathing, circulation (ABCs), measure vitals, and obtain history.
What techniques are used to obtain a patient’s history?
Use SAMPLE (Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last oral intake, Events leading up).
What are proper techniques for chest compressions?
Push hard and fast (2 inches deep, 100-120 compressions per minute).
How do you properly operate an AED?
Turn it on, follow voice prompts, attach pads, analyze rhythm, and deliver a shock if advised.
What should you do when operating an AED in a moving ambulance?
Stop vehicle if possible, ensure proper pad placement, and minimize interruptions.
Who benefits from AED use?
Patients in sudden cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia.
What is post-resuscitation care?
Monitoring airway, oxygenation, circulation, and preparing for advanced medical care.
How should a hypotensive patient be positioned?
Supine (lying flat) with legs elevated unless contraindicated.
How is oxygen administered for chest pain?
Via nasal cannula or non-rebreather mask if SpO2 is below 94%.
What is the pharmacology of aspirin in cardiac care?
It prevents platelet aggregation to reduce clot formation in heart attacks.
What is the pharmacology of nitroglycerin?
It dilates blood vessels to reduce chest pain and cardiac workload.
How is nitroglycerin administered?
Sublingually (under the tongue), via spray, or in IV form (hospital setting).
What are common medical terms related to cardiac rhythms?
Tachycardia (fast heart rate), bradycardia (slow heart rate), asystole (no heartbeat).
What cardiac rhythms can an AED defibrillate?
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) and pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT).
What cardiovascular conditions can cause hypo/hypertension?
Heart failure, shock, dehydration (hypotension) or atherosclerosis, kidney disease (hypertension).
What is the recommended adult chest compression rate?
100-120 compressions per minute.
