NCCAOM List Diagnoses Flashcards
1
Q
*Arrhythmias
A
- Irregular HT beat rhythm
-
TEST:
- ECG/EKG (Electrocardiogram)
- Auscultation
-
TX: Depends on type arrythmia and severity ∴ (least to most severe TX):
- Monitoring the condition
- Medications (ex: Antidysrhythmics)
- Sinoatrial node replacement (“pacemaker”)
-
RED FLAG S/S:
- Sensation of fluttering, flopping, or racing heartbeat in chest
- Acute dizziness
- Chest pain
- SOB
- Hypotension
- Abnormal pulse (too fast, too slow, or irregular)
-
TYPES:
- Fibrillations
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Ventricular Fibrillation
- Premature ventricular contraction (PVC)
- Heart Block
- Tachycardia
- Bradycardia
- Fibrillations
2
Q
Types of Arrhythmias
A
-
Fibrillations: extremely rapid, uncoordinated shuddering of HT muscle
- Atrial Fibrillation (A-fib; AF): irregular contraction of atrial muscle tissue
-
Ventricular Fibrillation (V-fib; VF): irregular contractions of ventricular muscle tissue
- Most common arrhythmia in cardiac arrest
- Electrical dysfunction following ventricular tachycardia
- Commonly associated w/ MI, CHR, shock, or other HT dx
- S/S: Chest pain, SOB, sudden death
- TX: Direct Current (DC) Cardioversion
- Premature ventricular contraction (PVC): an extra contraction of ventricular muscle prior to its normal contraction. Sensation of skipped beat or “flip-flopping” in chest.
- Heart block: disease or inherited condition w/ obstruction in electrical conduction system of HT, creating longer gap between HT sounds. Includes Sinoatrial nodal black (SA block), Atrioventricular block AV block), intra-Hisian blocks, infra-Hisian blocks, Bundle branch blocks, & Fasicular or Hemiblocks
-
Tachycardia: Rapid HT rate. Sensation HT racing or beating very fast, even w/o exertion
-
Ventricular Flutter:
- A tachycardia affecting ventricles- possible transition stage between tachycardia and Vfib
- HR > 250-350 BPM
- Associated w/ hypoxia or ischemic insults
- Hypotension, sudden death
- TEST: ECG: sinusoidal waveform without clear definition of the QRS and T waves.
- TX: defibrillation
-
Ventricular Flutter:
- Bradycardia: substantially slower HT rate
3
Q
*Hypertension
A
- high blood pressure, 140/90 or higher. Extremely high BP can damage blood vessels
-
Causes of Secondary Hypertension:R.E.N.D.S.
- Renal failure (Renin-Angiotensin Cycle)
- Endocrine disease (i.e. Cushing’s, Pheochromocytoma)
- Neurogenic
- Drugs (i.e. Birth control)
- Sleep apnea
-
RED FLAG S/S:
- Often asymptomatic
- Headache
- Nocturia
- Nosebleeds
-
Complications Uncontrolled Hypertension:St.A.KD.Blind.Legs
- Stroke (CVA-cerebrovascular accident)
- ASHD (atherosclerotic heart disease)
- KD disease/failure
- Blindness (intraocular pressure)
- Legs: Peripheral arterial insufficiency
- TX: Dietary changes (low fat, low sodium- DASH diet), increased exercise, weight-loss, quit smoking, medications (diuretics, antihypertensives, and/or antihyperlipidemic)
4
Q
*Hypertensive Crisis
A
- very high BP, 180/120 or higher. Will damage blood vessels
-
RED FLAG S/S:
- Blood pressure over 180/120
- Severe headache
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Severe chest pain
- Seizures
- Nausea, vomiting
- SOB
- &/Or unresponsiveness
- Medical emergency- call 911
5
Q
*Hypotension
A
- low blood pressure, less than 90/60
- Most common cause: dehydration
- Also caused by heat exhaustion, hypothyroidism, significant blood loss, side effects of other medications, or complication of surgery
- Maybe no symptoms or severe symptoms
-
RED FLAG S/S: (esp. in elderly)
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Lightheadedness
- Cold skin & extremities
- Nausea
- Blurry visions
- Orthostatic hypotension (Postural hypotension): dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting when patient goes from sitting to standing or from lying to sitting
- TX: Ranges: administering fluids (dehydration), wearing compression stockings (improve circulation), increasing salt intake (raises BP), medications (postural hypotension)
6
Q
Atherosclerosis
A
- Thickened, hardened blood vessel walls from deposited fats and cholesterol
- Occlusion of vessel leads to arteriosclerosis, formation of scar tissue and additional deposit of calcium salts
-
TYPES:
- Coronary artery disease: atherosclerosis in the arteries of HT
- Peripheral vascular disease: Atherosclerosis in any artery which is not in the HT or brain
7
Q
Coronary Artery Disease
A
- AKA: Coronary HT Disease or CAD
- atherosclerosis in the arteries of HT
- Can compromise blood flow to myocardium and impact HT function
- CAD can lead to angina or myocardial infarction (HT attack)
-
TESTS:
- Coronary Angiography with Cardiac Catheterization
- ECG/EKG
- Exercise stress test
- Echocardiogram
-
TX:
- life style changes (exercise, quit smoking, dietary- low fat, low sodium)
- Medicaitons (antihyperlipidemic, antihypertensives, diuretics)
- Surgery (angioplasty- endovascular widening arteries/veins using balloon catheter) (Cardiac artery bypass surgery- great saphenous v. from leg or left internal thoracic a.)
8
Q
A
- Peripheral Artery Dx or PAD
- Atherosclerosis in any artery which is not in the HT or brain
- Decreases blood flow through affected artery and reduces blood flow to tissue or organ served by damaged artery
- Causes organ or tissue to perform poorly d/t ischemia (lack of oxygen and glucose/nutrients)
-
Risk Factors:
- Over the age of 50
- Smoking
- Overweight
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes mellitus
-
S/S:
- Depend on arteries and body parts affected
- Many are asymptomatic
- Intermittent Claudication (pain in legs w/ walking, improves w/ rest)
-
TEST:
- Angiography/arteriography
9
Q
*Myocardial Infarction
A
- MI or “HT Attack”
- When myocardium is deprived of oxygen (ischemia), leading to crushing chest pain and eventual death of ischemic cells.
- Does not** respond to **nitroglycerine (vs. Angina will respond nitroglycerine)
-
Red Flag S/S:
- Pain in the chest lasting more than a few minutes (may come and go)
- Pressure or squeezing sensation in chest
- SOB
- Pain that radiates into arm (esp. Left), neck, jaw, or back
- Medical Emergency: Call 911
- TEST: Troponin T&I ↑↑, CK-MB (Creatine Kinase-Muscle Type-Brain Type), ECG (T-wave inversion, ST elevation, Q-Wave)
- TX: O₂, aspirin, morphine, beta-blocker
10
Q
*Angina Pectoris
A
- Temporary lack of oxygen to cardiac muscle
-
RED FLAG S/S:
- Chest pain and discomfort in middle 1/3 of sternum
- Pain may radiate to left jaw, neck & arm
- Pain follows exertion, eating, meals, or during periods of stres
- Pain relieved by rest
-
Unstable Angina: anginal attack occurring at rest or increasing in frequency
- High risk of subsequent MI
- TX: medication (Nitroglycerine)
11
Q
*Heart Failure
A
- Congestive Heart Failure- CHF
- Not a specific disease, usually end result of other disease weakening HT
- Makes HT less effective in pumping blood
- Often result of atherosclerosis of coronary arteries (Coronary artery disease/CAD), high blood pressure (Hypertension), and/or a heart attack (Myocardial Infarction)
- Left sided HT failure may cause fluid build up in lungs, causing breating difficulties
- Right sided HT failure may cause fluid (edema) in extremities or abdomen
-
RED FLAG S/S:
- Fatigue
- SOB (esp. lying down)
- Swelling in legs/ankles/feet/abdomen
- Weight gain
- Persistent cough (esp. w/ pink frothy mucus)
- Wheezing
- Irregular heartbeats
- TX: Hard to reverse, prevention is key
-
Prevention:
- Exercise
- Dietary changes (low fat, low sodium)
- Weightloss
- No smoking
12
Q
*Deep Vein Thrombosis
A
- Blood clot in one of deep veins of body- commonly the leg
- Main concern clot will detach, become mobile, and lodge in another vessel, often the lung, forming a Pulmonary Embolism
- Associated w/ cancer, estrogen therapy, birth control, prolonged immobility
- Phlegmasia Cerulea Dolens: massive DVT resulting in ischemia
- Virchow’s triad: venostasis, hypercoagulability, endothelial injury/dysfunction
- Homan’s sign: pain in calf on dorsiflexion of foot w/ knee extended (not accurate, Ultrasound better diagnostic)
-
RED FLAG S/S:
- Swelling in ankle or lower leg (if clot in leg)
- Cramp-like pain in calf
- Increased warmth to area
- Color changes of skin in area (red or blue)
- May be asymptomatic
- DX: Ultrasound
- TX: Thrombolytic drugs or anticoagulant (Heparin, Warfarin, Coumadin) medications
13
Q
Raynaud’s Disease
A
- Most commonly affects women
- SNS causes excessive constriction of small arteries in hands, feet, ears, nose
- Often triggered by cold exposure
- Skin area changes color with blood flow disruption
- Pale then blue
- Eventually back to red once blood flow returns
14
Q
*Aneurysms
A
- A weak bulge in blood vessel wall at risk to rupture
- Rupture maybe fatal in very short period time
- Most common: aortic aneurysm, cerebral aneurysm
- Grow slowly, therefore asymptomatic or slow development S/S
- DX: ultrasound or MRI
15
Q
*Aortic Aneurysm
A
-
RED FLAG S/S:
- Throbbing feeling in abdomen (felt by patient or by physician on physical exam)
- Pain in the abdomen or back
- W/ Rupture: Severe pain
-
Risk Factors:
- Male
- Smoking family history aneurysm
- Hypertension
- Atherosclerosis
- DX: ultrasound or MRI
16
Q
*Cerebral Aneurysm
A
-
RED FLAG S/S:
- Vision difficulties
- Pain in the eye
- Numbness or drooping on one side of face
- Dilated pupil
- W/ Rupture: sudden, severe headache
-
Risk Factors:
- Female (esp. post-menopausal)
- Head trauma
- Smoking
- Hypertension
- Atherosclerosis
- Drug abuse
- Alcohol abuse
- DX: ultrasound or MRI
17
Q
Non-Contagious Skin Conditions
A
-
Cellulitis:
- Bacterial infection of skin (usually Streptococcus or Staphylococcus)
- Gradually spreads through hypodermis and dermis
- Usually develops in area where wound to skin
- Skin becomes red & swollen
- Area gradually spreads and enlarges
-
Shingles:
- Caused by Herpes varicella zoster virus (chicken pox virus)
- Lives in dorsal root of spinal nerves
- During outbreak, virus travels along nerve pathway (root of nerve to surface of skin)
- Blistering lesions along sensory nerve dermatomes
- Can be intense pain w/ lesions
-
Acne:
- Bacteria P. acnes active infection of blocked sebaceous glands
- Causes open comedos (blackheads) or closed comedos (whiteheads)
-
TX:
- topical antibiotics
- vitamin-A derivatives (retinol/-al)
- peeling agents
- Accutane Rx to reduce oil gland activity
-
Eczema: (Atopic Dermatitis)
- Triggered by temperature changes, fungi, chemical irritants (detergents, etc.), & stress
- Predisposition d/t hereditary factors, environmental factors, or both
- S/S: Itchy skin, red bumps that can crust when scratched, red or brown dry area, cracked skin
-
Psoriasis:
- Chronic skin condition
- Stem cells in stratum germinativum/basale (innermost layer) show increased activity, causing hyperkeratosis
- Normal stem cell division= 1:20 days
- Psoriasis stem cell division= 1:1 1/2 days
- S/S: Reddened epidermal lesions covered w/ dry, silvery scales, severe cases may be disfiguring & debilitating
- Common areas: scalp, elbows, palms, soles, groin, nails
- Triggers: trauma, infection, hormonal changes, stress
-
Alopecia:
- An autoimmune or genetic disease causing hair loss on scalp (or elsewhere)
- Occurs in men or women
- Males: can cause male pattern hair loss
- Females: can cause thinning of hair throughout head
- TX: Rogaine or corticosteroids
18
Q
Cellulitis
(Non-contagious Skin Conditions)
A
- Bacterial infection of skin (usually Streptococcus or Staphylococcus)
- Gradually spreads through hypodermis and dermis
- Usually develops in area where wound to skin
- Skin becomes red & swollen
- Area gradually spreads and enlarges
19
Q
Shingles
(Non-contagious Skin Conditions)
A
- Caused by Herpes varicella zoster virus (chicken pox virus)
- Lives in dorsal root of spinal nerves
- During outbreak, virus travels along nerve pathway (root of nerve to surface of skin)
- Blistering lesions along sensory nerve dermatomes
- Can be intense pain w/ lesions
20
Q
Acne
(Non-contagious Skin Conditions)
A
- Bacteria P. acnes active infection of blocked sebaceous glands
- Causes open comedos (blackheads) or closed comedos (whiteheads)
-
TX:
- topical antibiotics
- vitamin-A derivatives (retinol/-al)
- peeling agents
- Accutane Rx to reduce oil gland activity
21
Q
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
(Non-Contagious Skin Conditions)
A
- Triggered by temperature changes, fungi, chemical irritants (detergents, etc.), & stress
- Predisposition d/t hereditary factors, environmental factors, or both
- S/S: Itchy skin, red bumps that can crust when scratched, red or brown dry area, cracked skin
22
Q
Psoriasis
(Non-Contagious Skin Conditions)
A
- Chronic skin condition
- Stem cells in stratum germinativum/basale (innermost layer) show increased activity, causing hyperkeratosis
- Normal stem cell division= 1:20 days
- Psoriasis stem cell division= 1:1 1/2 days
- S/S: Reddened epidermal lesions covered w/ dry, silvery scales, severe cases may be disfiguring & debilitating
- Common areas: scalp, elbows, palms, soles, groin, nails
- Triggers: trauma, infection, hormonal changes, stress