Patho
CAD is caused by the build up of this lipid plaque that results in the narrowing or occlusion of one or more coronary arteries
What is atherosclerosis?
CAD is suspected. This lipid value is the most important to reduce because it directly contributes to atherosclerotic plaque formation in coronary arteries.
What is LDL cholesterol?
This is the priority nursing action when a patient presents with chest pain, involving PQRST assessment, vital signs, and a rapid 12-lead ECG.
What is assessing pain and obtaining vitals/ECG?
This class of medication reduces myocardial oxygen demand by relaxing coronary smooth muscle and lowering afterload, making it helpful for angina caused by CAD
Ex. amlodipine
What are calcium-channel blockers?
A patient reports chest pressure that occurs with exertion and improves with rest. It lasts 5–15 minutes and feels like “an elephant on the chest."
What is this classic symptom pattern that points to coronary artery disease?
What is stable angina?
CAD results in decreased myocardial tissue perfusion and decreased myocardial oxygenation and leads to?
What is angina or MI or HF or Death?
This invasive procedure directly visualizes coronary artery blockages/ atherosclerotic lesions and allows stents to be placed during the same procedure.
What is cardiac catheterization/coronary angiography?
This intervention increases myocardial oxygen delivery and is used when chest pain is accompanied by low oxygen levels.
What is administering oxygen?
This medication causes rapid venous and coronary dilation, decreasing preload and improving blood flow to the heart—often given sublingually for angina.
What are nitrates/nitroglycerin?
A diabetic patient presents with unusual fatigue, nausea, and shortness of breath but no chest pain. These vague symptoms may indicate this silent yet dangerous CAD complication.
What is a silent myocardial ischemia (or atypical ACS presentation)?
During assessment, the nurse finds a new S4 heart sound in an older patient with hypertension and exertional chest pain. This extra heart sound suggests stiff ventricles caused by this coronary condition.
What is myocardial ischemia from CAD?
In a patient with chest pain, this rapid bedside test can show ST depression or T-wave inversion, suggesting myocardial ischemia.
What is an ECG/EKG?
This step includes giving nitrates for vasodilation and other prescribed drugs like aspirin or beta blockers to reduce cardiac workload.
What is administering the ordered cardiac medications?
These medications work by reducing LDL levels and stabilizing plaque, making them essential in slowing CAD progression.
What are cholesterol-lowering medications (statins)?
A patient has chest pain that is sharp, worsens with deep breathing, improves when leaning forward, and is not relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. These signs help distinguish this non-CAD condition from true coronary ischemia.
What is pericarditis?
This open-heart surgery creates a new route around a blocked coronary artery using a vessel graft to restore myocardial perfusion.
What is a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)?
Placing the client in this position lowers preload and improves breathing, reducing myocardial oxygen demand during chest pain.
What is placing the client in Semi-Fowler’s position?
Often placed after angioplasty, this device keeps the artery open and prevents restenosis.
What is a vascular stent?
This plan includes a low-sodium, low-cholesterol diet and stress management strategies to prevent future coronary events.
What are lifestyle modifications?
This minimally invasive procedure uses a balloon to open narrowed coronary arteries and improve blood flow.
What is a coronary angioplasty (balloon angioplasty)?