CV Disorders Flashcards
What is one of the priority assessments in the patient following admin of nitroglycerin? (esp. if the first time receiving this med.)
BP
How long can the brain be deprived of oxygen before permanent damage occurs?
4-6 minutes
Signs of a venous thromboembolism or thrombophlebitis
unilateral swelling, redness, induration, tenderness along the course of the involved vein, warmth, pain (aching or cramping), low grade fever
Nursing management of a thrombus in the legs
Elevate legs, maintain complete bed rest, avoid pressure on leg, measure leg daily, apply moist heat, apply elastic support bandages or compression stockings, monitor pulses, admin and monitor anticoagulant therapy, monitor for PE development
Nursing Interventions to prevent thrombi
Passive and active leg exercises, ambulation, anticoagulants, avoidance of pressure on veins, teach to avoid prolonged sitting or standing
Propranolol side effects
Bronchospasm, weakness, fatigue, hypotension, bronchospasm, bradycardia, HF, depression, confusion, gastric pain, impotence, vivid dreams, hallucinations
Client education regarding Propranolol
- take pulse before each dose, hold if less than 60 bpm
- taper dose before discontinuing
- take with meals
- monitor blood glucose (blocks normal signs of hypoglycemia)
- warn males of potential impotence
Client education regarding a pacemaker
- carry identification
- request hand scanning at airport
- avoid electromagnetic fields
- avoid vigorous arm and shoulder movement for the 1st 6 weeks
- avoid lifting over 5-10 pounds for 1st 6 weeks
- family should attend CPR training
Methyldopa side effects
Drowsiness, sedation, OH, bradycardia, loss of libido, fever, edema, dry mouth, ED
Methyldopa nursing considerations
- don’t stop abruptly (can cause hypertensive crisis)
- monitor for fluid retention (daily wt., I&O)
- provide good oral care
Methyldopa pt education
- take at night to decrease daytime sedation
- continue to use even if feeling better
- avoid activities that require mental alertness until it is known how it impacts you
- rise slowly
- don’t use ETOH or CNS depressants
How should a patient be positioned following an aortofemoral bypass
- in full supine
- hip should NOT be flexed to prevent bleeding
Nursing Care regarding HTN
- Admin anti-HTN meds
- Teach about med adverse effects, wt control, moderate ETOH intake, physical activity, smoking cessation, and the importance of health care follow-up.
Signs of cardiac tamponade
falling BP, narrowing pulse pressure, rising venous pressure and muffled heart sounds
Signs of digoxin toxicity
N/V, anorexia, visual disturbances, bradycardia, cardiac dysrhythmias, abd pain
