Chapter 19 - Heart Failure And Dysrhythmias

Question 1

What medication classification is used to decrease preload in patients with heart failure?

Answer 1

Diuretics. They work by increasing renal blood flow and blocking sodium and chloride reabsorption

Question 2

If a patient with heart failure reports awakening intermittently with shortness of breath, what term describes this?

Answer 2

Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea refers to intermittent at tacks of severe dyspnea that occur during the night.

Question 3

What is the normal left atrial pressure?

Answer 3

4 to 12 mm Hg

Question 4

What atrial pressure readings indicates a risk of increased capillary filtration the that results in pulmonary edema?

Answer 4

Readings at or above 25 mm Hg are associated with increased capillary filtration and pulmonary edema

Question 5

Describe atrial fibrillation:

Answer 5

A disorganized and irregular atrial waves accompanied by an irregular ventricular rate.

Question 6

How does an escape rhythm present?

Answer 6

Escape rhythms can present with a P wave that precedes, follows, or is buried in the QRS complex.

Question 7

Described atrial flutter:

Answer 7

Atrial flutter is manifested by a rapid atrial rate of 240 to 350 beats/min and a characteristic saw-tooth pattern of atrial depolarizations.

Question 8

Describe Premature atrial complexes (PAC)

Answer 8

P waves that occur earlier than normal, preceded by a P wave with a normal QRS configuration.

Question 9

What are the common causes of heart failure?

Answer 9

Myocardial ischemia from coronary heart disease, followed by hypertension, and dilated cardiomyopathy.

Question 10

What are the common clinical manifestations of left-sided heart failure?

Answer 10

Dyspnea, cough, crackles in the lungs.

Question 11

Is peripheral edema seen in right-sided or left-sided heart failure?

Answer 11

Right-sided

Question 12

What diagnostic analysis is used to identify patients with heart failure?

Answer 12

BNP, echocardiogram, chest X-ray.

Question 13

What does ANP (atrial natriuretic peptide) effect?

Answer 13

The overall effect of ANP on the body is to counter increases in blood pressure and volume caused by the renin-angiotensin system.c

Question 14

How is first degree heart block identified on the ECG?

Answer 14

By a prolonged PR interval (more than 0.20 second)

Question 15

What causes first degree heart block?

Answer 15

Drugs and organic heart disorders such as myocardial ischemia and congenital heart defects.

Question 16

How is first degree heart block treated?

Answer 16

First degree heart block is s a common finding and may occur in the absence of organic heart disease; thus it is generally monitored but not actively managed except to alleviate the underlying cause.

Question 17

How do beta blockers work?

Answer 17

Beta blockers slow the heart rate and reduces contractility of the heart, thereby lowering blood pressure.