DIAGNOSTICS & TESTS
VITAL SIGNS & NORMAL VALUES
RED FLAGS & CARDINAL SIGNS
DISEASES & PATHOLOGY
PT CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS
100

This test records the electrical activity of the heart and detects rhythm abnormalities.

What is an ECG/EKG?

100

Normal adult resting heart rate range.

What is 60–100 bpm?

100

Chest pain occurring when cardiac workload exceeds oxygen supply.

What is angina?

100

The most common cause of myocardial infarction.

What is atherosclerosis?

100

PT should begin this many days after cardiovascular surgery.

What is 1–3 days post‑op?

200

This imaging test evaluates heart valves, chambers, and ejection fraction.

What is an echocardiogram?

200

Blood pressure is determined by these three factors.

What are cardiac output, total peripheral resistance, and blood viscosity? 

200

Shortness of breath that wakes a person from sleep.

What is paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea?

200

Heart failure caused by blood backing up into the lungs.

What is left‑sided heart failure?

200

Heavy isometrics are contraindicated in hypertension due to this effect.

What is increased blood pressure from straining?

300

This portable device is worn for 24–48 hours to monitor cardiac rhythm during daily activity.

What is a Holter monitor?

300

Stage 1 hypertension begins at this systolic or diastolic value.

What is 130–139 systolic OR 80–89 diastolic?

300

Bluish discoloration in nail beds and lips indicating hypoxemia.

What is cyanosis?

300

The artery whose blockage is most life‑threatening.

What is the left anterior descending artery?

300

The MET level for early post‑MI mobilization.

What is 1–2 METs? [Cardiovasc...2026 - key | Word]

400

This invasive diagnostic procedure visualizes coronary arteries and intracardiac pressures.

What is cardiac catheterization?

400

This term describes fainting due to reduced cerebral oxygenation.

What is syncope?

400

Irregular heart rhythm with no true P waves.

What is atrial fibrillation?

400

Inflammation of the myocardium often due to infection.

What is myocarditis?

400

Post‑CABG lifting restriction limit.

What is no more than 5–10 pounds?

500

This lab value is the strongest independent predictor of congestive heart failure.

What is BNP (B‑Type Natriuretic Peptide)?

500

A drop of ≥20 mmHg SBP when moving to standing defines this condition.

What is orthostatic hypotension?

500

Life‑threatening rhythm requiring defibrillation with no organized QRS.

What is ventricular fibrillation?

500

Peripheral artery disease symptom characterized by pain with activity relieved by rest.

What is intermittent claudication?

500

In LVAD patients, this life‑saving technique is contraindicated.

What is CPR?

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