Chapter 19 Flashcards
Heart
Four-chambered pump that is responsible for the flow of blood in the body
Atria
The upper two chambers of the heart
Ventricles
The lower two chambers of the heart
Systole
Phase where the heart is at work, contracting and pushing blood out of the left ventricle
Diastole
Phase when the heart muscle relaxes
Artery
Vessel that carries blood to the heart
Points about the circulatory system
Made up of heart, blood vessels, and blood
White blood cells protect the body from bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances
Plasma, the liquid portion of the blood, carries nutrients, waste products, hormones, salts, antibodies, and the substance necessary for the blood to clot
What is the function of the heart?
Pumps blood through blood vessels to every cell in the body
Functions of the blood
Transport oxygen, nutrients, hormones, salts, and antibodies to cells
Removes carbon dioxide and other waste products from the cells
Controls pH level and body temperature
Clots and fights pathogens and poisons
Normal changes of aging in the circulatory system
Heart pumps less efficiently
Blood vessels narrow and become less efficient
Blood vessels become less elastic
Blood flow decreases
Occlusion
A complete obstruction of a blood vessel
Ischemia
A lack of blood supply to an area
Points about hypertension
Causes: hardening and narrowing of blood vessels, kidney disease, adrenal tumors, pregnancy, stress, pain, or medication
Prehypertension means that a person does not have hypertension now, but it is likely to in the future
Can lead to MI, CVA, kidney disease, or blindness
Treatment: medication, including diuretics; exercise program; diet; stopping smoking; lowering stress levels
Coronary artery disease
A condition in which the coronary arteries become damaged and narrow over time, causing chest pain and other symptoms
Myocardial ischemia
A condition in which the heart muscle does not receive enough blood and lacks oxygen; can cause angina pectoris
Angina pectoris
Chest pain, pressure, discomfort
Stable angina
Chest pain that occurs when a person is active or under severe stress
Unstable angina
Chest pain that occurs while a person is at rest and not exerting himself
Nitroglycerin
Medication that relaxes the walls of the coronary arteries
Points to remember about coronary artery disease
Cause: vessels in coronary arteries narrow after build-up of arterial plaque, reducing blood to the heart
Symptom: angina pectoris
Care guideline for angina
Reduce stress
Notify the nurse immediately if the resident needs help taking his prescribed medication
Make sure resident gets enough rest
Resident should avoid big meals
Encourage resident to follow exercise plan
Resident may need to avoid hot, humid weather
Encourage residents who are quitting smoking
Cardiomyopathy
A weakening of the heart muscle due to enlargement or thickening, which reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively
Points about cardiomyopathy
Causes: extensive CAD, heart muscle that no longer pumps effectively, virus, diabetes, thyroid problems, drug and alcohol use, birth defect, or unknown cause
Most common reason for heart transplants
Points about myocardial infarctions
Cause: block of blood flow to heart muscle
Components of cardiac rehabilitation
Low-cholesterol, low fat, low sodium diet
Regular exercise program
Medication to regulate heart rate and blood pressure
Blood testing
Stopping smoking
Avoid of cold temperatures
Stress management program
Peripheral vascular disease
A condition in which the legs, feet, arms, or hands do mot have enough blood circulation
Phlebitis
Inflammation of the veins in the lower extremities
Anti-embolus stockings
Special stockings used to help prevent swelling and blood clots and Aid circulation; also called elastic stockings
Points about peripheral vascular disease
Causes: build up of arterial plaque over time, reduction in cardiac output, phlebitis
Most common rule is peripheral arterial disease
Symptoms: cramping in hips, thighs. Legs, or calves, cyanotic hands or feet, bluish nailbeds, arms, and/or legs that are cool to the touch, edema in hands or feet, ulcers on legs or feet, or gangrene
Points about peripheral vascular disease
Report: complaints of pain or change in hands, legs, or feet. Change in vital signs, increased edema, weight gain, I&O change. Headache inability to see clearly, discomfort in head, neck, jaw, shoulder, chest, or back. Disorientation, dizziness or confusion
Treatment: fluid restrictions or special diets, quitting smoking, anti-embolic stockings
Sequential compression device
A plastic, air-filled sleeve that is placed around the leg and inflates and deflates regularly to help improve circulation, reduce fluid build-up, and prevent blood clots
Points about sequential compression devices
Used to improve circulation and prevent blood clots
Applied during or after surgery
Report damaged equipment to nurse
Congestive heart failure
A condition in which the heart is damaged and fails to pump efficiently
Orthopnea
Shortness of breath when lying down that is relieved by sitting up
Points about CHF
Cause: failure of heart muscle to pump effectively due to damage
Symptoms: fatigue, reduction inability to be active, dyspnea, orthopnea, increased pulse, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, confusion, weight gain, lack of appetite, edema, abdominal distention or pain, increased irritation.
Symptoms associated with each side of the heart: left-sided failure: fatigue, orthopnea, coughing, rapid pulse, and weight gain
Points about CHF
Right-sided failure: fatigue, weakness, edema of the extremities (especially the ankles), bulging neck veins, irregular heartbeat, and fainting
Treatment: medication, care plan that includes rest
Guidelines for CHF
Follow orders for activity and exercise Measure daily weight and I&O Encourage resident to follow fluid and diet orders Use social stockings, as ordered Provide extra pillow in bed Assist with ADLs
Guidelines for CHF
Assist with ROM exercises
Report changes in activity levels, fatigue, dizziness, infusion, or fainting, increased respiratory rate, pulse, or blood pressure. Irregular heartbeat, palpitations, chest tightness or chest pain, dyspnea, coughing, wheezing, lack of appetite, abdominal swelling or pain, edema, bulging neck veins, weight gain from fluid retention, and change in urinary output
Pulmonary edema
A condition in which there is an accusation of fluid in the lungs; usually due to heart failure
Points about pulmonary edema
Cause: buildup of fluid in the lungs
Symptoms: shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, gurgling when breathing, anxiety, restlessness
Emergency treatment is necessary
Anemia
A condition in which the amount of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the body is less than normal
Hypoxia
A condition in which the body does not receive enough oxygen
Points about anemia
Cause: amount of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the body is less than normal
Symptoms: fatigue, weakness, pale skin, problems with the tongue, brittle nails, difficulty concentrating
Treatment for iron-deficiency anemia: diet of foods rich in iron, vitamins, iron supplements, and methods to treat constipation that can occur
