Module 2: Cardiac

Question 1

What is Afterload in cardiovascular terms?

Answer 1

The pressure or resistance that the heart’s ventricles must overcome to eject blood into the arteries during systole

It is a critical factor in determining cardiac output.

Question 2

Define Cardiac Output.

Answer 2

Volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute

Calculated as Stroke volume x heart rate.

Question 3

What is the Ejection Fraction?

Answer 3

The % of blood pumped out of the left ventricle with each contraction

Normal is >50%; <40% indicates heart failure.

Question 4

What does Hypertension refer to?

Answer 4

High blood pressure

It can lead to various cardiovascular complications.

Question 5

What is Hypotension?

Answer 5

Low blood pressure

SBP falls <90 mmHg, which can compromise organ perfusion.

Question 6

Define Infarction/necrosis.

Answer 6

Tissue death to an area where blood flow is blocked

This can occur in various organs, including the heart.

Question 7

What is Ischemia?

Answer 7

A reduced or blocked blood supply to a body part causing a lack of oxygen and nutrients

It can lead to tissue damage if prolonged.

Question 8

What does Myocardial contractility refer to?

Answer 8

The ability of the heart muscle to contract and generate force

It is essential for effective heart function.

Question 9

What is Orthostatic Hypotension?

Answer 9

Decrease of 20mmHg+ in SBP and decrease of 10mmHg+ in DBP upon change of position from lying to upright

Common in elderly and patients on extended bed rest.

Question 10

Define Preload.

Answer 10

The amount of blood in the heart’s ventricles at the end of diastole

It influences stroke volume and cardiac output.

Question 11

What is a Pulmonary Embolism?

Answer 11

A dislodged clot that travels to the lungs and blocks one or more pulmonary arteries

It can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Question 12

What is Pulse Pressure?

Answer 12

Difference between systolic and diastolic BP

Calculated as Sys - Dys = PP; normal is about ⅓ of systolic.

Question 13

What does Pulsus Alternans indicate?

Answer 13

Regular rhythm but strength of pulse varies with each beat

It may suggest heart failure.

Question 14

What is a Stroke?

Answer 14

Sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain

It can lead to significant neurological deficits.

Question 15

Define Stroke volume.

Answer 15

Amount of blood ejected from the left ventricle (mL)

It is a key component in calculating cardiac output.

Question 16

What is Venous thrombo-embolism?

Answer 16

Obstruction of a blood vessel by a blood clot that has become dislodged from another site in circulation

Most commonly starts in legs and can lead to pulmonary embolism.

Question 17

What does Perfusion refer to?

Answer 17

Passage of fluid through the circulatory system or lymphatic system to an organ or tissue

Adequate perfusion is essential for organ function.

Question 18

What does CAB stand for in cardiopulmonary resuscitation?

Answer 18

• Compressions
• Airway
• Breathing

This sequence is critical for effective CPR.

Question 19

What is the significance of Peripheral Vascular Resistance (PVR)?

Answer 19

Amount of effort that the heart has to overcome to pump blood into the periphery

Increased PVR can lead to hypertension.

Question 20

How is Hypertension officially diagnosed?

Answer 20

Average of 2 or more readings on at least 2 health care visits is above 120/80

Regular monitoring is essential for diagnosis.

Question 21

What are common symptoms of hypotension?

Answer 21

• Pale pallor
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Chest pain
• Increased HR
• Decreased urine output

These symptoms indicate compromised organ perfusion.

Question 22

What is the treatment for hypotension?

Answer 22

• Treat the cause
• Vasoconstriction
• Resuscitation fluids
• Medications to increase contractility

Addressing the underlying issue is crucial.

Question 23

What is Hyperlipidemia?

Answer 23

Too many lipids in the bloodstream

It includes elevated cholesterol and triglycerides.

Question 24

What are the cholesterol levels for a healthy individual?

Answer 24

• Cholesterol <200mg/dL
• LDL <130mg/dL
• HDL: male >45mg/dL, female >55mg/dL

Regular testing is recommended starting at age 20.

Question 25

What dietary modifications can help manage **hyperlipidemia**?

Answer 25

* Reduce saturated and trans fat * Increase complex carbs and fiber * Limit sources of cholesterol * Eat fatty fish weekly ## Footnote These changes can significantly improve lipid profiles.

Question 26

Who is at risk for **Venous thromboembolism**?

Answer 26

* Venous stasis * Hypercoagulability * Endothelial damage ## Footnote Risk factors include obesity and pregnancy.

Question 27

What are the **Signs and Symptoms** of Venous thromboembolism?

Answer 27

* Localized redness * Tenderness * Swelling over vein sites * Warmth * Calf pain with ambulation ## Footnote Usually unilateral and requires prompt evaluation.

Question 28

What is the only reliable tool to detect a **VTE**?

Answer 28

Ultrasound ## Footnote It is essential for accurate diagnosis.

Question 29

What are common **diagnostic tests** related to the cardiovascular system?

Answer 29

* Complete blood count (CBC) * Fasting lipid panel * Chest x-ray * Electrocardiography (EKG or ECG) ## Footnote These tests help assess cardiovascular health.

Question 30

What does **S1** and **S2** represent in heart sounds?

Answer 30

* S1: Closure of mitral and tricuspid valves * S2: Closure of aortic and pulmonary valves ## Footnote These sounds are crucial for assessing heart function.

Question 31

What are the **5 Ps** in nursing assessment?

Answer 31

* Pain * Pulse * Pallor * Paresthesia * Paralysis ## Footnote These are key indicators of perfusion status.

Question 32

What are some **nursing interventions** for cardiovascular care?

Answer 32

* Monitor vital signs * Assess for symptoms * Implement heart-healthy diet * Administer medications ## Footnote These interventions aim to improve patient outcomes.