Cardiovascular Flashcards
What is the process of atherosclerosis?
Plaque collects under damaged intima. Plaque collects in artery walls, causing the artery to narrow. The plaque ruptures and blood clots form.
What are interventions for atherosclerosis and CAD? Explain?
Aimed at life-style changes and early detection/intervention. Diet and lifestyle changes are tried first before medication.
What should fasting cholesterol level be? What are the elements of cholesterol?
<200 mg/dL
HDL (high-density lipoprotein)
LDL (low-density lipoprotein)
Triglycerides
What is the mechanism of action of statins?
What is it contraindicated in?
Mechanism of action is to lower LDL and triglycerides, increase the HDL, decrease synthesis of cholesterol in the liver.Contraindicated in liver disease (can cause increased LFTs). Don’t use for folks with severe muscle pain.
What are common potential side effects of statins?
Most serious adverse reactions?
Common potential side effects include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, constipation, flatus, heartburn, rash. Contraindicated in liver disease (can cause increased LFTs). Don’t use for folks with severe muscle pain.
What is needed to diagnose hypertension (HTN)?
Systolic BP consistently > or equal to 140 mm/Hg and a diastolic consistently > or equal to 90 mm/Hg on two or more different occasions.
What is normal BP in adults?
SBP is less than 120
DBP is less than 80
What are risk factors for secondary HTN?
Coarction of aorta, brain tumors, encephalitis, medications, pregnancy, renal disease, endocrine disorders
Early clinical manifestations of HTN?
Initially, asymptomatic. Headache, dizziness, fainting, vertigo, flushed face, spontaneous epistaxis, blurred vision, retinal changes
What occurs as HTN progresses?
Dyspnea, orthopnea, chest pain, leg edema, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, numbness or tingling of extremities.
Very late signs and symptoms of HTN?
Angina, MI, heart failure, kidney changes, stroke
Clinical manifestations of hypertensive crisis or malignant HTN?
Systolic greater than 240, diastolic greater than 120. Blurred vision, severe headache, dyspnea, epistaxis, disorientation, dizziness
How much fluid is equal to a kilogram of pt weight when it comes to fluid loss and gain?
1 liter of fluid
What is the mechanism of action of thiazide diuretics?
Increased excretion of sodium and water by inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the distal tubule of kidney.
What is the most common potential side effect of thiazide diuretics? Serious adverse reactions?
Most common potential side effect is hypokalemia
Most serious adverse reaction is none
Nursing considerations for thiazide diuretics?
Nursing considerations: monitor for dehydration and hypokalemia. Usually used first as a cost-effective drug to treat uncomplicated HTN. Not used for emergency diuresis.
What is the mechanism of action for loop diuretics?
Mechanism of action is inhibited reabsorption of sodium and chloride from of Henle and distal renal tubule. Increased renal excretion of water, sodium, chloride, magnesium, potassium and calcium to promote diuresis and decrease in BP.
What are the most common potential side effects of loop diuretics? Adverse reactions?
Most common potential side effects are hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hyponatremia, dehydration
Most potential adverse reactions are aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis
What are nursing considerations for loop diuretics?
dehydration. Evaluate electrolytes frequently. Strict I and O. Can be given PO or IV. Used when there is an emergent need for rapid mobilization of fluid.
Mechanism of action for calcium channel blockers?
Inhibits transport of calcium into myocardial and vascular smooth muscle cells which leads to systemic vasodilation and relaxation of smooth muscles which leads to decreased BP. Acts on myocardium, SA node, and AV node.
Side effects and adverse effects of calcium channel blockers?
Side effects: Headache, facial flushing, peripheral edema, hypotension, irregular heartbeats, constipation Adverse reactions: heart block or heart failure
Nursing considerations for calcium channel blockers?
Check BP, IO, daily weight. Constipation. Teach pt to monitor bowel function. Avoid grapefruit juice. Regular dental care-may cause gingivitis.
Mechanism of action for ACE inhibitors?
blocks conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Blocks release of aldosterone which leads to decreased sodium and water retention. Antihypertensive
Side effects and adverse reactions for ACE inhibitors?
Side effects: Hypotension, cough
Adverse effects: Angioedema (swelling of tissues in lips, face, throat, tongue, and oropharynx). Emergency situation that constitutes an allergy
Nursing considerations for ACE inhibitors?
Safety. Pt should remain on bedrest for the first few hours after initial dose to prevent injury related to the “first dose effect.” May cause annoying cough.
What is included in Virchow’s Triad?
At least one of these factors is necessary for development of VTE. Endothelial damage, venous stasis, altered coagulation.
What is included in a venous thromboembolism (VTE)?
Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
Risk factors for DVT?
Age, prior history of DVT, surgical and invasive procedures, coagulation abnormalities, oral contraceptives, pregnancy, HF, obesity, immobility, trauma, ulcerative colitis, lupus, sepsis, advanced neoplasms
Clinical manifestations of DVT?
Pain in the area of thrombosis. Sudden onset, unilateral edema. Red, warm, indurated vein.
What’s involved in the diagnosis of DVT?
Physical exam. Assess S/S. Venous duplex ultrasonography (aka venous doppler). Venogram (invasive). D-Dimer blood test that measures fibrin breakdown. It’s only suggestive of DVT.
Treatment of existing DVT?
Rest and elevation of extremity. Do not rub or massage the area. No SCD stockings or ROM to affected extremity. Compression stockings. Anticoagulation therapy. Assess neurovascular status of extremity. IVC filter.
Pathophysiology of a pulmonary embolism?
Thrombus causes an obstruction of blood flow to the pulmonary circulation. There is ventilation but no perfusion.
Manifestations of a pulmonary embolism?
Sudden onset SOB. Sharp, stabbing chest pain. Anxiety or apprehension. Cyanosis, tachycardia, tachypnea. Cough, hemoptysis.
Diagnosis of PE?
Patient history. EKG, CXR to rule out other conditions. D-Dimer. V/Q scan (ventilation-perfusion). Spiral CT scans. Pulmonary angiography.
What are some lab tests for monitoring heparin
Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT)
Partial thromboplastin time (PTT). Therapeutic should be 1.5-2.5 the norm or 60-80 seconds
Evaluate baseline labs: CBC, platelets, urinalysis, stool, creatinine