Perfusion Flashcards
What is perfusion?
The process by which the pulmonary and cardiac systems collaborate to circulate oxygenated blood throughout the organs and tissues.
What are the key components of the cardiac and pulmonary systems’ collaboration?
- Heart pumps oxygen-rich blood
- Lungs oxygenate the blood
- Ensures vital supply to the entire body
What are the potential impacts of impaired perfusion?
- Affects self-care
- Impairs mobility
- Alters fluid status
- Compromises tissue integrity
What are the four chambers of the heart?
- Right Atrium
- Right Ventricle
- Left Atrium
- Left Ventricle
What are the layers of the heart wall?
- Endocardium
- Myocardium
- Epicardium
What is the function of the sinoatrial (SA) node?
It serves as the primary pacemaker of the heart, initiating impulses at a rate of 60-100 bpm.
What are the phases of the cardiac action potential?
- Polarization
- Depolarization
- Repolarization
Fill in the blank: The _______ system transports deoxygenated blood from the right heart to the lungs.
Pulmonary
What is cardiac output (CO)?
The amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute, calculated as Stroke Volume (SV) x Heart Rate (HR).
What are the key factors affecting cardiac output?
- Heart Rate
- Contractility
- Preload
- Afterload
What are the two main pathways in the coagulation cascade?
- Intrinsic Pathway
- Extrinsic Pathway
What does coronary artery disease (CAD) result from?
Plaque buildup in coronary arteries leading to decreased blood flow.
What are common manifestations of hypertension?
- Often asymptomatic until severe
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Nosebleeds
- Fatigue
True or False: Secondary hypertension is due to other conditions like kidney disease.
True
What lifestyle modifications can help improve cardiovascular health?
- Healthy diet
- Regular exercise
- Smoking cessation
- Stress reduction
What are the types of heart valves?
- Atrioventricular (AV) valves: Tricuspid and mitral
- Semilunar valves: Pulmonary and aortic
What is the normal range for cardiac output?
4-8 L/min
What is the significance of the P-QRS-T sequence?
It represents one heartbeat.
What is the role of the AV node in the cardiac conduction system?
Delays the impulse to allow the atria to contract before the ventricles.
What are common assessment findings in patients with CAD?
- Chest pain/discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Cold, clammy skin
- Indigestion/fullness sensation
- Dizziness
Fill in the blank: The _______ is the term for the wave of blood created by the left ventricle’s contraction.
Pulse
What does the term ‘dyspnea’ indicate?
A decrease in oxygenated blood, often associated with difficulty breathing.
What are some common diagnostic tests used to evaluate cardiac function?
- Blood Pressure Screening
- Lipid Panel
- ECG & Stress Tests
- Stress Echocardiography
- Electron-Beam CT
What are the symptoms of cardiogenic shock?
- Inadequate tissue perfusion
- Confusion
- Rapid heart rate
What is the impact of respiratory acidosis on oxygenation?
It leads to increased CO2 and decreased oxygenation.
What are the key risk factors for coronary artery disease?
- Family history
- High cholesterol
- Hypertension
- Smoking
What is the treatment for valvular heart disease?
- Medications
- Lifestyle changes
- Surgery
What is the significance of jugular vein distension (JVD)?
It indicates increased central venous pressure.
What are the symptoms of left-sided congestive heart failure?
- Shortness of breath
- Wet cough
What lifestyle change can significantly reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease?
Smoking cessation
What is the primary intervention for managing hypertension?
Encouraging lifestyle changes such as reduced sodium intake and regular exercise.
What are the two types of cardiac circulation?
- Pulmonary Circulation
- Systemic Circulation
What are the manifestations of coronary artery disease?
- Chest pain/discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Cold, clammy skin
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
What vital signs should be obtained during a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment?
BP, Pulse, Temperature, Respiratory Rate, O2 Saturation, Pain.
What should be inspected regarding skin during a cardiovascular assessment?
Skin color and temperature (even, homogeneous).
What are the characteristics of normal respirations to assess?
Regular and unlabored.
What should be checked for in the eyes and lips during inspection?
Symmetrical eyes with pink conjunctivae and smooth texture of lips.
What does flat jugular veins indicate when assessed in an upright position?
Normal finding.
What is the significance of palpating the precordium and carotid pulses?
To check for tenderness, swelling, or crepitus.
Where is the Aortic Valve auscultated?
2nd ICS at RSB.
Where is the Pulmonic Valve auscultated?
2nd ICS at LSB.
Where is Erb’s Point located?
3rd ICS at LSB.
Where is the Mitral Valve auscultated?
5th ICS at MCL.
What does S1 signify during auscultation?
Closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves, heard at the beginning of systole.
What does S2 signify during auscultation?
Closure of the aortic and pulmonic valves, heard at the beginning of diastole.
True or False: Simultaneous palpation of the carotid pulse helps differentiate S1 from S2.
True.
What does impaired perfusion lead to regarding acid-base balance?
Retention of acids.
What should be monitored to assess perfusion status?
BP, HR, oxygen saturation, and physical signs like skin color and mental status.
What condition is indicated by low hemoglobin?
Reduced oxygen delivery.
What should be assessed in cognition regarding perfusion?
Hypoxemia and altered mental status.
What can inadequate perfusion lead to in terms of comfort?
Pain in tissues.
Fill in the blank: Hypervolemia or hypovolemia can lead to altered _______.
perfusion.
What is the normal range for Total Cholesterol?
< 200 mg/dL.
What is the normal range for Triglycerides?
< 150 mg/dL.
What is the normal range for LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)?
< 100 mg/dL.
What is the normal range for HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) for females?
> 40 mg/dL.
What is the normal range for HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) for males?
> 55 mg/dL.
What is the normal range for D-Dimer?
< 0.5 mcg/mL.
What is the normal range for BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide)?
< 100 pg/mL.
What is the normal range for Cardiac Output (CO)?
4-8 L/min.
What is the normal range for Cardiac Index (CI)?
2.5 - 4.0 L/min/m².
What is the normal range for Central Venous Pressure (CVP)?
2 - 8 mmHg.
What is the normal range for Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)?
70 - 100 mmHg.
What is the normal range for Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR)?
800 - 1200 dynes/sec/cm.
What is hyperlipidemia?
A condition characterized by high levels of lipids (fats) in the blood.
What is atherosclerosis?
A disease of the arteries where plaque accumulates in the artery walls.
What is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?
A type of atherosclerosis affecting the coronary arteries that supply the heart muscle.
What leads to chest pain (angina) in CAD?
Plaque buildup in coronary arteries, reducing blood flow.
List the modifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis.
- High LDL cholesterol
- Low HDL cholesterol
- Hypertension
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Unhealthy diet
- Nephrotic Syndrome
- Liver Diseases.
List the non-modifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis.
- Family history
- Familial Hypercholesterolemia
- Polygenic Hypercholesterolemia
- Age
- Male gender
- Post-menopausal status.
What are common physical findings of hyperlipidemia?
- Asymptomatic
- Xanthelasma/Xanthomas
- Eruptive Xanthomas
- Corneal Arcus
- Obesity/High BMI.
What are common physical findings of atherosclerosis?
- Carotid Bruits
- Diminished Peripheral Pulses
- Cool, Pale Extremities
- Delayed Capillary Refill
- Intermittent Claudication.
What are the general presentations of coronary artery disease?
- May be asymptomatic
- Chest pain (angina)
- Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
- Diaphoresis
- Epigastric distress (heartburn)
- Fatigue
- Peripheral Edema.
What is the significance of elevated Troponin I levels?
Suggests myocardial damage; possible silent heart attack or angina.
What is a nursing action for managing coronary artery disease?
Monitor Vital Signs.
What are common side effects of Atorvastatin (Lipitor)?
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Diarrhea.
What is the mechanism of statins?
Inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, reducing LDL levels and slightly increasing HDL.
What should be monitored when administering statins?
Liver function tests and signs of muscle pain or weakness.
What is the definition of hypertension?
A chronic medical condition characterized by consistently elevated blood pressure levels.
What is known as the ‘Silent Killer’?
Hypertension, because it often has no symptoms until significant organ damage occurs.
What is the normal blood pressure range?
< 120/80 mmHg.
What defines Stage 1 Hypertension?
130-139/80-89 mmHg.
What defines Stage 2 Hypertension?
≥ 140/90 mmHg.
What is a hypertensive crisis?
Systolic > 180 and/or Diastolic > 120.
What is the formula for Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)?
MAP = (⅓ Systolic BP) + (⅔ Diastolic BP).
What factors affect blood pressure?
- Cardiac Output (CO)
- Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR).
What does the sympathetic nervous system do in relation to blood pressure?
Senses changes in MAP and triggers increased HR.
What does iac Output (CO) refer to?
Volume of blood pumped by the heart.
Influenced by ventricular filling and pumping ability.
What is Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR)?
Resistance encountered by blood as it flows through the circulatory system.
Determined by blood viscosity, vessel length, and vessel diameter.
What influences blood viscosity in relation to SVR?
Thicker blood = more resistance.
What is the impact of vessel length on SVR?
Longer vessels = more resistance.
How does vessel diameter affect SVR?
Smaller diameter = higher resistance.
What triggers the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) in regulating blood pressure?
Senses changes in MAP → Triggers increased HR, CO, and arteriole constriction → Raises BP.
What is the role of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)?
Renal perfusion ↓ → Renin release → Angiotensin I → Angiotensin II (vasoconstrictor) → BP ↑.
What does aldosterone release lead to?
Sodium and water retention → BP ↑.
What are the effects of Epinephrine and Norepinephrine on blood pressure?
Increase HR and BP.
What is the effect of Vasopressin (ADH)?
Vasoconstriction and water retention.
What do Atrial & Brain Natriuretic Peptides do?
Vasodilation and increased urine output.
What is arteriosclerosis?
Hardening of arteries → Decreased compliance.
What is atherosclerosis?
Plaque buildup → Increased resistance → Hypertension (HTN).
What defines Normal Blood Pressure for adults?
Less than 120/80 mmHg.
What is considered Elevated Blood Pressure?
Begins when Systolic BP rises above 120 mmHg, while Diastolic remains below 80 mmHg.
What is Primary Hypertension (Essential HTN)?
Elevated BP without a known cause.
What percentage of hypertension cases does Primary Hypertension account for?
90-95%.
What are the risk factors for Primary Hypertension?
- Family history
- Age
- Race
- High sodium intake
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
What is Secondary Hypertension?
Elevated BP due to a known underlying cause.
What percentage of hypertension cases does Secondary Hypertension account for?
5-10%.
What are common causes of Secondary Hypertension?
- Kidney Disease
- Endocrine Disorders
- Pheochromocytoma
- Coarctation of the Aorta
- Neurologic Disorders
- Medications
- Pregnancy
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
What are Non-Modifiable Risk Factors for Hypertension?
- Age
- Gender
- Genetics/Family History
- Race/Ethnicity
- Personal History of Preexisting Conditions
- Congenital Factors
- Genetic Disorders
What are Modifiable Risk Factors for Hypertension?
- High Sodium Intake
- Low Potassium Intake
- High Cholesterol Levels
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption
- Obesity
- Physical Inactivity
- Smoking
- Stress
- Poor Sleep Patterns
- Substance Abuse
- Excessive Caffeine Intake
What are common symptoms of hypertension when present?
- Headaches
- Dizziness/Lightheadedness
- Blurred Vision
- Epistaxis (Nosebleeds)
- Fatigue
- Palpitations
- Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
- Chest Pain (Angina)
- Anxiety/Irritability
What does an elevated Blood Pressure reading indicate?
Systolic BP ≥ 130 mmHg or Diastolic BP ≥ 80 mmHg.
What are potential complications of uncontrolled hypertension?
- Heart Failure
- Myocardial Infarction (MI)
- Stroke/Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
- Hypertensive Crisis
What is the starting dose for Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)?
12.5 - 25 mg/day PO.
What side effects should be monitored for with Hydrochlorothiazide?
- Hypokalemia
- Dehydration
- Hyperglycemia
What is the starting dose for Spironolactone (Aldactone)?
25 mg/day PO.
What side effects should be monitored for with Spironolactone?
- Hyperkalemia
- Gynecomastia
- Menstrual Irregularities
What is the starting dose for Enalapril (Vasotec)?
5 mg/day PO.
What side effects should be monitored for with Enalapril?
- Cough
- Hyperkalemia
- Angioedema
What is the starting dose for Losartan (Cozaar)?
50 mg/day PO.
What side effects should be monitored for with Losartan?
- Hyperkalemia
- Dizziness
- Renal Dysfunction
What is the starting dose for Nifedipine (Procardia)?
30 mg/day PO.
What side effects should be monitored for with Nifedipine?
- Peripheral Edema
- Gingival Hyperplasia
- Flushing and Dizziness
What is the starting dose for Doxazosin (Cardura)?
1 mg/day PO.
What side effects should be monitored for with Doxazosin?
- Orthostatic Hypotension
- Dizziness and Fainting
- Nasal Congestion
What is the starting dose for Hydralazine?
10 - 25 mg/day PO.
What side effects should be monitored for with Hydralazine?
- Reflex Tachycardia
- Lupus-like Syndrome
- Peripheral Edema
What should be assessed baseline for patients on antihypertensive medications?
Baseline BP and monitor frequently.
What should patients be taught regarding antihypertensive medications?
Do not abruptly stop these medications (rebound HTN).
What laboratory findings are elevated due to hypertension?
- Elevated BUN
- Elevated Creatinine
- Elevated Blood Glucose
- Abnormal Lipid Profile
- Elevated BNP