CHapter 16- Cardiovascular Emergencies

Question 1

A group of symptoms caused by myocardial ischemia; includes angina and myocardial infarction

Answer 1

acute coronary syndrome

Question 2

A heart attack; death of heart muscle following obstruction of blood flow to it; in this context the attack is “new” or “happening right now”

Answer 2

AMI (acute myocardial infarction)

Question 3

Transient (short-lived) chest discomfort caused by partial or temporary blockage of blood blow to the heart muscle; also called angina

Answer 3

angina pectoris

Question 4

A weakness in the wall of the aorta that makes it susceptible to rupture

Answer 4

aortic aneurysm

Question 5

The one-way valve that lies between the left ventricle and the aorta and keeps blood from flowing back into the left ventricle after the left ventricle ejects its blood into the aorta; one of four heart valves

Answer 5

aortic valve

Question 6

A tracing on an ECG that is the result of interference, such as patient movement, rather than the heart’s electrical activity

Answer 6

artifact

Question 7

The complete absence of all heart electrical activity

Answer 7

asystole

Question 8

The ability of cardiac muscle cells to contract without stimulation from the nervous system

Answer 8

automaticity

Question 9

When the heart fails to generate effective and detectable blood flow; pulses are not palpable, even if muscular and electrical activity continues in the heart

Answer 9

cardiac arrest

Question 10

A disorder in which the heart loses part of its abilty to effectively pump blood, usually as a result of damage to the heart muscle and usually resulting in a backup of fluid into the lungs

Answer 10

congestive heart failure