Module 10: L:48 Adult Health Conditions Flashcards
Part 6 Cardiac Disorders
Part 6 Cardiac Disorders
What should the nurse do for a client experiencing chest pain?
Stay with the client when the client is experiencing chest pain.
How should the bed be positioned for a client with cardiac disorders?
The head of the bed is elevated for a client with a cardiac disorder.
How often do we monitor vitals for a cardiac patient?
Vital signs are monitored and the apical heart rate counted for 1 full minute.
What are some general education points for cardiac patients?
Teach lifestyle changes.
Instruct how to use their medication.
What is coronary artery disease?
Narrowing or obstruction of one or more coronary arteries results from atherosclerosis, an accumulation of lipid-containing plaque in the arteries.
What is atherosclerosis?
A condition where the arteries become narrowed and hardened due to buildup of plaque (fats) in the artery wall. Symptoms vary depending on the clogged artery.
When do symptoms of coronary artery disease start to pop up?
Symptoms occur when the coronary artery is occluded to point that blood supply to the muscle becomes inadequate, causing ischemia.
What can coronary artery disease lead to?
Coronary artery disease (CAD) results in hypertension, angina, dysrhythmias, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and death.
What is the treatment for coronary artery disease?
A low-fat diet, regular exercise, and medications such as cholesterol-decreasing medications
What is the main goal of treating coronary artery disease?
To slow the atherosclerotic progression.
What are some findings with coronary artery disease?
Findings may be normal during asymptomatic periods, but the affected client experiences chest pain, dyspnea, syncope, and excessive fatigue.
What are some studies for tracking coronary artery disease?
Electrocardiology
CARDIAC Catherterization.
Blood lipid Testing.
How does electrocardiography diagnose CAD?
When blood flow is reduced and ischemia occurs, ST-segment depression or T-wave inversion is noted; the ST segment returns to normal when blood flow returns.
With infarction, cell injury results in ST-segment elevation, followed by T-wave inversion.
How does cardiac catheterization help diagnose CAD?
Catheterization, the most definitive source of diagnosis, shows the presence of atherosclerotic lesions.
How does Blood lipid testing help diagnose CAD?
Blood lipids may be increased in the client with CAD.
Cholesterol-decreasing medications may be prescribed to reduce the development of atherosclerotic plaques.
What are the three teaching areas of CAD?
Lifestyle changes,
Surgical Procedures,
Medications.
What should we teach the patient about lifestyle changes with CAD?
Help the client identify risk factors (e.g., diet, sedentary lifestyle) that can be modified and set goals to promote lifestyle changes that will reduce the effect of these risk factors.
Teach the client to consume a low-calorie, low-sodium, low-cholesterol, low-fat diet with an increased amount of fiber.
Emphasize that dietary changes are not temporary and must be maintained for life.
What does a percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty help with CAD?
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty is performed to compress the plaque against the walls of the occluded artery and dilate the vessel.
How does laser angioplasty help with CAD?
Laser angioplasty vaporizes the plaque.
How does atherectomy help with CAD?
n atherectomy, the plaque is removed from the artery.
How does a vascular stent help with CAD?
A vascular stent may be placed to prevent the artery from closing and prevent further stenosis.
How does coronary artery bypass grafting help with CAD?
Coronary artery bypass grafting is performed to improve blood flow to myocardial tissue at risk for ischemia or infarction resulting from occlusion of the artery.
What are the four classes of drug that help with CAD?
Nitrates,
Calcium Cahnnel Blockers,
Statins,
Beta-Blockers
