Tests of CV function Flashcards
What is sensorium of the individual?
Often the first sign of a cardiac impairment is a decreased level of consciousness…. is your pt. alive? Talking? Responsive?
What is mucous membrane color a reflection of?
The hemoglobin saturation in the capillary blood
What two changes occur if cardiac function decreases and blood flow slows in the capillary beds?
First - hemoglobin will come into contact with tissues for an extended time
Second - a decrease in the amount of O2 delivered per minute to the tissues will result in metabolic acidosis
What do changes in radial, femoral, and carotid pulses offer as information?
HR, regularity of heart rhythm, length and strength of ventricular systole, peripheral artery patency
What may irregular heartbeats be reflected in?
Changes in pulse rhythmicity and pulse pressure per beat
What may turbulent blood flow be caused by as felt as?
Turbulent blood flow caused by valve or septal disease may be reflected in the carotid pulses and felt as a “thrill”
What are the heart sounds heard in a healthy adult?
S1 and S2
Abnormalities of S1 and S2 could indicate disease as well as hearing what heart sound?
S3 or S4
Using a 12-lead ECG what can a vectocardiogram assist one to?
1 - precisely locate the site of the MI
2 - diagnose conduction defects
3 - diagnose chamber hypertrophy
What is pulse tracing?
The pulsation described by the flow of blood through an artery during the cardiac cycle drawn as a waveform plotting pressure against time
What is MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging - based on the principal that the frequency of energy (resonant frequency) given up by a nucleus is exactly proportional to the surrounding magnetic field giving spatial information that can show 3D imagery
What is an echocardiogram?
An ultrasound examination of the heart
What are Doppler studies?
A Doppler study is made by using a handheld microphone placed on the skin over a lubricating gel
What is stress testing?
Cardiac activity examined during physical exercise with BP and a 12-lead ECG
What does a chest x-ray show?
An examination of the size and contour of the heart and related structures can be made
What are X-Rays with barium?
The cardiac silhouette obtained with routine cardiographic studies enhanced by the ingestion of barium as visualized in an X-Ray
What is Atrioventricular bundle ECG?
This is where 2 electrode tipped catheters are inserted percutaneously into the femoral vein, floated up the inferior vena cava, and positioned in the right atrium during AV bundle electrocardiography
What is cardiac catheterization?
One or both sides of the heart can be examined with sensors up either the femoral vein (for right side) or femoral artery (for left side) and pressures can be recorded, blood samples taken for O2 content, and a contrast medium is injected to visualize chamber function and valve patency
What is coronary angiography?
Fluoroscopic visualization of the coronary arteries and left heart structures using contrast dyes (e.g. iodine). Uses a catheter threaded into the left ventricle via the femoral artery
