Anatomy & Physiology
What is the main function of the heart?
To pump blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients and removing waste.
What is the normal adult heart rate range?
60–100 bpm.
What causes the "lub" sound (S1)?
Closure of mitral and tricuspid valves.
Where is the apical pulse located?
5th intercostal space, midclavicular line.
A patient’s pulse is 52 bpm. What is this called?
Bradycardia.
Which side of the heart pumps blood to the lungs?
The right side (right atrium & ventricle).
What is the normal adult blood pressure?
Around 120/80 mmHg.
What causes the "dub" sound (S2)?
Closure of aortic and pulmonary valves.
Why is the apical-radial pulse checked?
To detect pulse deficits (e.g., with arrhythmias).
Your patient’s BP drops after standing. What is your priority action?
Assist them safely, return them to lying/sitting position, and reassess.
What is the name of the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle?
Mitral (bicuspid) valve.
A patient’s BP is 160/100. What condition does this indicate?
Hypertension.
What does an S3 heart sound indicate in adults?
Possible heart failure or fluid overload.
To detect pulse deficits (e.g., with arrhythmias).
Sphygmomanometer.
You hear crackles in the lungs during a cardiac exam. What might this indicate?
Left-sided heart failure with pulmonary congestion.
Which coronary artery supplies most of the left ventricle?
Left anterior descending (LAD) artery.
What is orthostatic hypotension?
A drop in blood pressure when standing up from lying/sitting.
What does a murmur represent?
Turbulent blood flow, often from a valve problem.
Which position is best for hearing heart murmurs?
Left lateral position (lying on left side).
A patient on digoxin has an apical pulse of 48 bpm. What should you do?
Hold the digoxin and notify provider.
Define cardiac output and give the formula.
Cardiac output = Stroke Volume × Heart Rate.
Name one factor that can increase heart rate.
Exercise, fever, stress, pain, medications (e.g., beta-agonists).
Where do you best hear the mitral valve?
5th intercostal space, midclavicular line (apex of heart).
What is the importance of palpating carotid pulses one at a time?
Prevents cutting off blood flow to the brain.
Your patient’s jugular veins are distended at 45 degrees. What does this suggest?
Right-sided heart failure or fluid overload.