Circulation Flashcards
Electrical conduction of heart
- SA node
- AV node
- Bundle of His
- Left and right bundle
branches - Purkinje fibres
Reading ECG traces
P waves
QRS complex
T waves
You see these in ECG and known as Sinus rhytm and is the normal rhythm of the heart
P waves
Atrial depolarisation and contraction. Blood moves from atria to ventricles
QRS complex
Ventricular depolarisation and contraction. Blood moves from ven to aorta and pul artery and to body and lungs
T waves
Relaxation of the ventricles and repolarisation. Atria refill with blood.
Average HR for paediatrics
<1 year = 110-160bpm
1-2= 100-150 bpm
3-5= 95-140 bpm
6-12= 80-120bpm
>12= 60-100bpm
How can pulses differ
(abnormal)
Irregular
Too slow( bradycardia)
Too fast (tachycardia)
Strong
Weak and thready
Full and bounding
Main pulses in the body
Radial
Brachial
Carotid
Femoral
Dorsalis Pedis
Popliteal
Posterior Tibial
How long should you count a pulse for
Minute
Capillary refill time
Should be done peripherally and centrally
Done by:
1. Place finger on patient and press
2. Hold for 5 secs and then release
3. Count the time taken to return to original colour.
Cap refill should be less than 2 seconds
What does a prolonged Cap refill time show
Reduced blood flow (perfusion) to that area.
This could be due to reduced blood circulation caused by dehydration and illness.
Skin temp
Normal skin should be warm to touch.
When dehydrated, reduced circulating volume means blood vessels will constrict to divert blood to main organs.
Cool peripheries may be normal for some if the environment is cold.
What should you be concerned about when carrying out a cardiac assessment
- Cyanosis
- Weak pulse
- Low blood pressure
- Cold hands and feet (not normal for the patient)
5.Reduced urine output
6.High heart rate for age
7.Cap refill of longer than 2 seconds
Assessing patient colour during cardiac assessment
Cyanosis- due to low O2 levels. usually seen in lips and tongue and around eyes.
Pallor- pale skin due to constriction of peripheral blood vessels or anaemia
Mottling- Patchy red and purple markings. usually seen in arms legs and upper body. Sign of poor perfusion. Also seen when babies are cold
When taking blood pressure
The cuff should be in line with patient heart and perferably on the right arm.
