MI’s
CAD
HF
Cardio Meds
Tx
100

Describe the pathophysiology of myocardial infarctions. 

What is: 

-Myocardial tissue is abruptly and severely deprived of oxygen 

-occurs when blood flow is reduced by 80-90% 

-usually begins in the subendocardial layer of the cardiac muscle 

100

Describe what is meant by coronary artery disease.

What is: 

-includes chronic stable angina and acute coronary syndrome 

-can lead to ischemia and infarction 

100

Describe the necessary interventions for the Killip system heart failure classifications. 

-Class I: nitrates, diuretics, monitor urine output, vitals, s/s of HF, and serum K+

-Class II and III: Nitroprusside or Nitroglycerin, positive inotropes, ARBs, ACEIs

-Class IV (cardiogenic shock): diuretics, Nitro, O2, intubation, mechanical ventilation 

100

Explain the pharmacology of fibrinolytics. 

What is: 

-given prior to PICI, only for a STEMI

-given within 30 mins of arrival

-tissue plasminogen activator 

-ex) reteplase, enecteplase 

-most effective within 6hrs of MI 

-contraindications: hx of head bleed, active bleeding, significant trauma within 3mths 

100

Explain the process of a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). 

-most common surgery for older adults

-an occluded artery is bypassed with the patient’s own venous or arterial blood vessel, or a synthetic graft. Most commonly used is the mammary artery.

-Cardiac arrest is induced so that the bypass provides oxygenation and circulation. 

-The patient experiences hypothermia, with a core temp of 95F, to decrease metabolic rate and O2 demand. 

200

List the clinical manifestations of an MI.

What is:

-diaphoresis

-chest pain (unless diabetic)

-weakness, SOB

-stress, denial, anxiety, fear

-depression, anger 

-tachycardia, increased temperature

-BP that is initially high then declines 

200

List the modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors for CAD.

What is:

-nonmodifiable: genetics, gender, age

-modifiable: smoking, poor diet, high cholesterol, obesity, lack of exercise, alcohol, stress, diabetes

200

List the clinical manifestations of HF.

What is: 

-decreased cardiac output 

-edema, JVD

-crackles, wheezing

-S3 heart murmur

-tachypnea, frothy sputum

200

List and describe the medications used to increase tissue perfusion.

What is: 

-aspirin: inhibits platelet aggregation

-GP inhibitors: prevent platelet aggregations and thrombus formation 

-antiplatelets: Plavis, Eloquis

-statins: decrease hyperlipidemia

-ACEI/ARBS- prevent ventricular remodeling and development of HF, must have <40% ejection fraction 

-beta blockers: decrease size of infarct, decrease risk of ventricular dysrhythmias, started 1-2hrs after MI


200

Describe the postoperative care needed for a CABG procedure. 

What is:

-management of potential complications: F/E imbalances, hyperthermia, bleeding, low/high BP, anginal pain, cardiac tampanod, A-fib and SVT

-monitor blood glucose levels

-patient education: lifestyle modifications, healing process, complimentary health, sexual advice, drug therapy regimen, when to seek medical attention

300

Name the risk factors and populations at risk for having an MI.

What is:

-atherosclerosis

-African American, Mexican American, Alaskan Native

-metabolic syndrome (3 or more: HTN, hyperlipidemia, increased HDL or decreased LDL, increased waist central obesity, increased triglycerides, increased fasting glucose)

-family hx

-diet, smoking, alcohol 

300

Describe the characteristics of unstable angina. 

-not familiar to patient

-causes limitation

-does not respond to Nitro

-lasts >15 mins

-50% or more blockage of vessel causes decreased perfusion

-3 types: new onset, variant (vasospasm), and pre-infarction

300

Describe what an intra-aortic balloon pump is and its function.

What is: 

-a temporary invasive percutaneous intervention during an acute MI

-decreased preload and afterload and facilitate left ventricle ejection

-heart doesn’t have to work as hard because balloon inflating helps pump blood

300

What is considered the “gold standard” medication regimen after an MI? 

What is: 

-dual antiplatelet (aspirin + antiplatelet)

-ACEI

-ARB

-statin

300

What is the purpose of hemodynamic monitoring?

What is: 

-measures BP, heart function, volume status, cardiac output, right atrial pressure and pulmonary artery pressure (PAOP), using a Swann gans catheter

-most invasive, inserted internal jugular or subclavian 

-normal PAOP= 5-12mmHg

400

Describe what is meant by a STEMI. 

What is:

-ST elevation in at least 2 of 12 EKG leads

-caused by: rupture of fibrous plaque leading to thrombus formation, leading to complete occlusion

400

Explain the term chronic stable angina pectoris. 

What is: 

-chest discomfort caused by moderate to prolonged exertion, relieved by rest 

-familiar to patient 

-frequency, duration, and intensity stay the same

-fixed atherosclerotic plaque

-risks: HTN, DM, smoking, hyperlipidemia

-treated by: Nitro 0.4mg q 5mins (x3)

400

What is the pathophysiology of cardiogenic shock?

What is: 

-necrosis of more than 40% of the left ventricle 

- high mortality rate

400

Explain the acronym MONA.

What is:

•Morphine: -used for pain not relieved by aspirin

-decreases O2 demand and circulating catacholamines, relaxes smooth muscles  

•Oxygen

•Nitroglycerin- decreased preload and afterload, increases collateral blood flow

-gives extra O2 to subendocardium 

-monitor orthostatic BP and have pt lay down when taking 

•Aspirin- thins blood, inhibits platelet aggregation 

-324mg, usually taken at home prior to admission after an MI

400

Describe the nursing interventions necessary for an MI.

What is:

-do not give false hope

-monitor O2, EKG, pain, lung sounds, pulses, presence of murmur S3 or dysrhythmias, orthostatic BP

-position Semi-Fowler’s 

-promote a calm environment

-cardiac rehab: diet, exercise, ADLs (Acute stage ends at discharge, then discharge and home care, then long term conditioning) 

-assess support system, give resources 

500

Describe what is meant by an NSTEMI.

-ST depression and T wave inversion 

-caused by: coronary vasospasm, spontaneous dissection, sluggish blood flow due to vessel narrowing

-troponin: normal initially then elevated within 3-12 hrs 

500

List the known manifestations of reperfusion. 

-pain and discomfort goes away or decreases in intensity 

-ST elevation or T wave inversion resolves

-reperfusion beats: vessels get excited and may cause temporary V-fib  or V-tach 

-markers of cardiac damage will peak within 12 hrs 

500

List the clinical manifestations of cardiogenic shock.

What is: 

-tachycardia

-hypotension (SBP <90mmHg or 30mmHg less than baseline)

-urine output 0.5-1mL/kg/hr 

-cold, clammy skin

-pulmonary congestion, continuing chest discomfort 

-tachypnea

500

Describe the dynamic process of MIs and the catacholamines released during an MI. 

What is:

-a gradual process that results in an MI as vessels are narrowed and eventually obstructed 

-the hear develops scar tissue and ventricles stiffen, leading to ventricular remodeling 

-norepinephrine: increases O2 demand

-epinephrine: increases contractility, making heart beat harder 

500

List the necessary diagnostic testing for a suspected MI.

What is: 

-troponin: every 6hrs x3

-echocardiogram: shows structure of heart and ejection fraction, needed within 10mins of arrival, again after stent placement and 3mths later

-chest x-ray: rules out dissection

-exercise test (stress test)- for NSTEMI, assessed for ischemia

-12 lead EKG: done within 10mins of arrival, distinguishes NSTEMI vs STEMI

-CT scan: diagnoses CAD

-cardiac catherization: shows plumbing of heart 

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