Week 13: HF, PVD, Carditis Flashcards
Cardiac Infection / Carditis
Infectious Processes Involving the Heart
Involves various layers - endocardial, myocardial, and pericardial
Various etiologies
Layers of the Heart in to out
Endocardium, Myocardium (Muscle Middle), Epicardium
Pericarditis
Inflammation of the pericardial sac
can be primary or secondary - due to surgery or medical causes
s/s of Pericarditis
constant subclavicular chest pain - worse with turning or lying flat
pain improved with leaning forward or sitting position
friction rub - grating, creaking sound with each heartbeat
Increased WBC, Temp, ESR, and CRP
What could it mean if a patient is in too much pain to sit back during assessment in semi-fowlers
if they cannot sit forward it may indicate pericarditis
Nursing Care for Pericarditis
Bed rest if s/s decrease CO until fever is normalized, chest pain and friction rub gone
Morphine, Corticosteroids, NSAIDs, Meds
Observe for s&s of cardiac tamponade - pericardiocentesis
Endocarditis
life threatenining inflammation of the inner lining of your heart’s chambers and valves (endocardium)
Where does the infection for endocarditis come from
bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms from another part of the body such as the mouth, limb abscess, or lung infection that spreads through the bloodstream and attaches to damaged areas in the heart (it loves attaching to valves)
If endocarditis is not treated quickly what can happen
it can damage or destroy the heart valves
Treatments for Endocarditis
IV antibiotics long term (6+ weeks) and sometimes surgery
What are some risk factors for endocarditis
poor dental hygiene
cardiac disease (prior)
COVID-19
IV drug user
central line access
Important Nursing Care Considerations for Endocarditis Tx
Stabilize the patient depending on the stage
Carry out the provider’s orders to find the source (cultures, monitor labs, radiology exam)
Monitor cardiorespiratory status
Monitor for S&S of sepsis
administer ordered IV antibiotics for some time
Holistic/Wrap around care (social work, substance abuse providers, other specialists)
LISTEN WITHOUT BEING JUDMENTAL
5 Cardiac Valvular Disorders
Mitral Valve Prolapse
Mitral Regurgitation
Mitral Stenosis
Aortic Regurgitation
Aortic Stenosis
Diagnostic Testing for Valvular Disorders
2D Echocardiogram
Cardiac Catheterization
MRI
CT Scan
Valve Disease: Prolapse
Portion of the valve leaflets protrude into the atrium during systole
so, the valve wont stay closed during systole
S/S and Characteristics of Valve Prolapse
few symptoms
seen in young women
fatigue
palpitations
SOB
lightheadedness
Valve Disease: Incompetence
the valve wont stay closed durign systole
cannot close when blood is pumping
s/s and characteristics of valve incompetence
few symptoms
seen in young women
fatigue
SOB
palpitations
lightheadedness
(Similar to prolapse)
Valve Disease: Stenosis
Obstruction of blood flow
Valve does not open completely during systole
improper opening
S/S of Valve Stenosis
fatigue d/t lowered CO
SOB
cough and hemoptysis
weak, irregular pulse
murmur
CHF
Valve Disease: Regurgitation
valve does not close tightly
allows blood to flow backward into the heart
some people may NOT need tx
improper closing
S/S and Characteristics of Valve Regurgitation
SOB
fatigue
lightheadedness
rapid fluttering heartbeat
What may more serious valve regurgitation cases need
medications like diuretics and blood thinners, or surgery
Types of Replacement Valves
Mechanical Valves
Tissue (Biologic) Valves