Cardiovascular Flashcards
Select the CORRECT statement:
A. The sphygmomanometer is the direct method of measuring intra-arterial blood pressure in an easy, safe, and accurate way for most clinical situations
B. Pulse pressure is the addition of systolic and diastolic pressure
C. Diastolic pressure is the maximum pressure in the artery just prior to the next contraction (systole).
D. Systolic pressure is the maximum pressure within the artery during contraction of the ventricles (ventricular systole).
D. Systolic pressure is the maximum pressure within the artery during contraction of the ventricles (ventricular systole).
Place the following steps in the correct order:
a. Place the deflated cuff snugly and smoothly on the patient’s bare arm, so the distal margin of the cuff is at least 2.5-3cm proximal to the antecubital fossa, and with the bladder centered over the brachial artery
b. Place the bell of your stethoscope (ideal for low pitch Korotkoff sounds) over the brachial artery in the antecubital fossa and make an air seal.
c. Estimate the systolic pressure by palpation. While palpating the radial artery on the same arm, inflate the cuff slowly, note when the radial pulse disappears then rapidly deflate the cuff.
d. Listen for Korotkoff sounds and record the systolic and diastolic measurements.
e. Inflate the cuff to a pressure about 20-30 mm Hg higher than that which eliminated the radial pulse, then deflate the cuff slowly.
A, C, B, E, D
Common errors in blood pressure measurement can occur from all the following EXCEPT:
A. Pressing the stethoscope too firmly on the brachial artery
B. Using the wrong cuff size
C. Having the patient seated for 5 minutes, and screening the patient to see if they drank caffeine or smoked at least 30 minutes prior to taking blood pressure
D. Holding the arm above or below the level of the heart
C. Having the patient seated for 5 minutes, and screening the patient to see if they drank caffeine or smoked at least 30 minutes prior to taking blood pressure
Which statement is INCORRECT:
A. Tympanic temperature measurements are potentially ideal because they are rapid, convenient, and theoretically best reflect core temperature.
B. Several factors can impact temperature measurements including: eating and smoking, tachypnea, and cerumen accumulation in the ear.
C. Rectal temperature measurements are preferred by most patients.
D. In a wide variety of disorders, the finding of a very high or low temperature indicates a worse prognosis
C. Rectal temperature measurements are preferred by most patients.
Which statement is CORRECT?
A. It is best to measure both pulse and respiratory rates simultaneously and for 10 seconds only.
B. The radial pulse is commonly used to assess the heart rate and the carotid pulse most accurately reflects the contour of the aortic pulse wave.
C. Cheyne-Stokes breathing respirations are a deep, sighing respiratory pattern
D. It is best practice to alert the patient and stare at them when measuring their respiration.
B. The radial pulse is commonly used to assess the heart rate and the carotid pulse most accurately reflects the contour of the aortic pulse wave.
To best hear low-frequency heart sounds of S3 or S4, what is the technique you want to use with your stethoscope?
Rest the bell lightly on the patient’s chest in the fifth intercostal space on the midclavicular line.
When auscultating the heart, which location is often used as a general assessment for all heart sounds?
Erb’s point
What are the 5 characteristics to assess when listening to heart sounds or murmurs?
Timing, intensity, duration, pitch and quality
After locating the top of the jugular vein, you measure the vertical distance from the sternal angle to be 2cm. How do you interpret your findings?
This is within the normal range of less than 3cm above the sternal angle.
You palpate your patient’s radial pulse bilaterally and grade it to be 2+ on the left and 1+ on the right. What do your findings mean?
The left pulse is normal and the right pulse is diminished.
