CV Disorders

Question 1

What is one of the priority assessments in the patient following admin of nitroglycerin? (esp. if the first time receiving this med.)

Answer 1

BP

Question 2

How long can the brain be deprived of oxygen before permanent damage occurs?

Answer 2

4-6 minutes

Question 3

Signs of a venous thromboembolism or thrombophlebitis

Answer 3

unilateral swelling, redness, induration, tenderness along the course of the involved vein, warmth, pain (aching or cramping), low grade fever

Question 4

Nursing management of a thrombus in the legs

Answer 4

Elevate legs, maintain complete bed rest, avoid pressure on leg, measure leg daily, apply moist heat, apply elastic support bandages or compression stockings, monitor pulses, admin and monitor anticoagulant therapy, monitor for PE development

Question 5

Nursing Interventions to prevent thrombi

Answer 5

Passive and active leg exercises, ambulation, anticoagulants, avoidance of pressure on veins, teach to avoid prolonged sitting or standing

Question 6

Propranolol side effects

Answer 6

Bronchospasm, weakness, fatigue, hypotension, bronchospasm, bradycardia, HF, depression, confusion, gastric pain, impotence, vivid dreams, hallucinations

Question 7

Client education regarding Propranolol

Answer 7

• take pulse before each dose, hold if less than 60 bpm
• taper dose before discontinuing
• take with meals
• monitor blood glucose (blocks normal signs of hypoglycemia)
• warn males of potential impotence

Question 8

Client education regarding a pacemaker

Answer 8

• carry identification
• request hand scanning at airport
• avoid electromagnetic fields
• avoid vigorous arm and shoulder movement for the 1st 6 weeks
• avoid lifting over 5-10 pounds for 1st 6 weeks
• family should attend CPR training

Question 9

Methyldopa side effects

Answer 9

Drowsiness, sedation, OH, bradycardia, loss of libido, fever, edema, dry mouth, ED

Question 10

Methyldopa nursing considerations

Answer 10

• don’t stop abruptly (can cause hypertensive crisis)
• monitor for fluid retention (daily wt., I&O)
• provide good oral care

Question 11

Methyldopa pt education

Answer 11

• take at night to decrease daytime sedation
• continue to use even if feeling better
• avoid activities that require mental alertness until it is known how it impacts you
• rise slowly
• don’t use ETOH or CNS depressants

Question 12

How should a patient be positioned following an aortofemoral bypass

Answer 12

• in full supine

- hip should NOT be flexed to prevent bleeding

Question 13

Nursing Care regarding HTN

Answer 13

• Admin anti-HTN meds
• Teach about med adverse effects, wt control, moderate ETOH intake, physical activity, smoking cessation, and the importance of health care follow-up.

Question 14

Signs of cardiac tamponade

Answer 14

falling BP, narrowing pulse pressure, rising venous pressure and muffled heart sounds

Question 15

Signs of digoxin toxicity

Answer 15

N/V, anorexia, visual disturbances, bradycardia, cardiac dysrhythmias, abd pain

Question 16

After how many doses of nitroglycerin should an angina patient seek medical help if they are still experiencing chest pain?

Answer 16

After 3 doses at 5 minute intervals