Common: Cardiovascular Flashcards
CV: The nursing priority when starting a patient on a new anti-hypertensive medication
Patient safety. Anti-hypertensives can cause a patient to become hypotensive and require careful observation when initiating the medication.
**think through this with hemodynamics as your guide**
CV: Describe the use of Troponin as a diagnostic marker
Cardiac troponins start to elevate 4-6 hours after a myocardial injury and are highly specific to the myocardium, therefore it is the preferred diagnostic marker for myocardial infarction.
CV: A pt is experiencing crushing chest pain. Describe why administering Nitroglycerin SL is the nursing priority.
Nitro is a vasodilator and in the event of an MI, the priority action is to relieve the chest pain by promoting vasodilation.
CV: JVD is associated with which cardiac problem
Right sided heart failure
CV: Indicate the importance of strict I&O’s with CHF patients
Patients with congestive heart failure are at risk for fluid volume overload due to the poor pumping mechanism of the heart.
CV: Describe the rationale for obtaining a 12-lead EKG on a patient with elevated potassium
Elevated potassium poses a risk for dysrhythmias as well as cardiac arrest. Therefore, the nurse should obtain a 12-lead ECG to monitor for cardiac changes.
CV: Describe the use of Lisinopril and the side effects
Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor used to treat hypertension.
Side Effects:
Angioedema- swelling of the mouth (this is a priority as swelling of the mouth can compromise airway)
Dry Cough
Nausea
Nasal congestion
CV: Aspirin can be used for many purposes. Describe it’s use for cardiac patients
Aspirin is an antiplatelet aggregate used to decrease the likelihood of blood clotting. It also is used to reduce the risk of a second heart attack or stroke by inhibiting platelet aggregation and reducing thrombus formation in an artery, a vein, or the heart.
CV: What is the rationale for using caution when delivering IV fluids to a patient with heart failure?
Patients in heart failure are at risk for fluid volume overload so IV fluids should be used with caution
CV: Cardiac catheterization requires access through a major vessel. With this in mind, describe the assessment of a post-cath patient
The priority for post-cath patients is to achieve and maintain hemostasis. This includes checking the site for bleeding and hematoma, checking pulses distal to the access site, keeping the affected limb secure, and managing vital signs
CV: Why might a patient with advanced peripheral artery disease have pain in their legs?
Intermittent claudication is ischemic pain that occurs early in PAD. As PAD progresses, the client will experience pain even at rest due to ischemia of the distal extremities. The client might describe this pain as a persistent burning or aching pain that often awakens the client at night.
CV: Why might a patient with heart failure who is experiencing dyspnea show signs of confusion or mental status change?
Heart failure may lead to excess fluid volume, making it difficult effective gas exchange to occur and the patient may become hypoxic which can cause confusion
CV: Describe the risks that come with using Furosemide (Lasix) for patients with heart failure
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits the reabsorption of sodium and chloride and results in diuresis, which decreases potassium through excretion in the distal nephrons. Hypokalemia is an adverse effect of furosemide.
CV: Describe the difference between primary and secondary hypertension
Primary hypertension is not associated with any other underlying disease process and has no specific cause. Secondary hypertension is due to another disease process.
CV: Describe the risk factors for coronary artery disease
Diabetes, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, each can cause compromise to the vasculature, particularly, the coronary arteries. African Americans are at a higher risk of developing CAD.
