Day 2: Pathophysiology Flashcards
What is CAD?
Coronary Artery Disease. Where there is a narrowing of the coronary arteries that limits blood supply to the heart muscle causing angina (chest pain specifically due to heart-muscle ischemia).
What are the past histories that suggest CAD?
Angina, MI, CABG, Angioplasty, and Cardiac Stents
Does a PSHx of Angioplasty mean that the patient has CAD?
Yes
Does a PMHx of CVA mean that the patient has CAD?
No
What is the difference between MI and CAD?
CAD is a risk factor for MI because CAD is the narrowing of the heart arteries while an MI is the acute blockage of these arteries.
Does a pt with AFib and CHF have CAD?
No
What are the cardiac risk factors?
HTN, HLD, FHx of CAD <55 y.o., CAD, DM, smoker, Paroxysmal AFib, and Chronic AFib
How is CAD diagnosed?
Through cardiac catheterization
CAD affects which part of the heart?
The arteries
How is an MI diagnosed?
Through EKG (STEMI) or through elevated Troponin levels (non-STEMI)
What are the associated sx’s of MI other than CP?
SOB, Diaphoresis, N/V
What are the associated sx’s of CHF?
SOB that worsens with lying flat (Orthopnea), Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea (PND), and Dyspnea on exertion (DOE). Also, pedal edema
What diagnoses CHF?
CXR and elevated BNP (B-Type Natriuretic Peptide)
What is A-Fib?
Atrial Fibrillation. Where there are electrical abnormalities in the “wiring” of the heart that cause the top of the heart (atria) to quiver abnormally
What might someone with A-Fib feel?
Heart palpitations (fast, irregular, pounding heart beats)
How is A-Fib diagnosed?
EKG
What might someone with a Pulmonary Embolism’s CC be?
SOB or Pleuritic chest pain (CP that worsens with deep breathing)
What are the risk factors for a Pulmonary Embolism?
known DVT, PMHx of DVT or Pulmonary Embolism, BCP, Smoking, CA, A-Fib, Immobility, pregnancy, FHx, Recent history of surgery
What study diagnoses a Pulmonary Embolism?
CTA (CT Chest w/ IV contrast) or VQ scan
Can a CT chest w/o IV contrast dx a Pulmonary Embolism? Why or Why not?
No, because the contrast allows the doctor to see the clot.
What is PTX?
Pneumothorax. Where a lung collapses due to trauma or spontaneous rupture.
What is the most common cause of PTX?
Trauma
What dx’s a PTX?
CXR
What do COPD pt’s usually have a SHx of?
Smoking
What is the difference between an inhaler and a nebulizer for asthma?
A nebulizer is a machine while an inhaler is a handheld device.
What is Asthma?
RAD or Reactive Airway Disorder. The constricting of the airway due to inflammation and muscular contraction of the bronchioles, known as a “bronchospasm”.
What is the PE finding closely associated to Asthma?
Wheezing
