HEART
Standard number of leads used in continuous cardiac monitoring.
5 leads
: First-line drug given for symptomatic bradycardia.
Atropine
Primary purpose of a central venous catheter.
Monitor central venous pressure or administer vasopressors
First-line vasopressor for septic shock.
Norepinephrine
First step of the nursing process.
Assessment
Common ECG change seen during myocardial ischemia.
ST depression
First action for pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
Defibrillation
Device used to deliver IV medications in precise amounts.
Infusion pump
Anticoagulant that requires aPTT monitoring.
Heparin
Tool used to assess level of consciousness in ICU patients.
Glasgow Coma Scale
Life-threatening arrhythmia risk associated with a prolonged QT interval.
Torsades de Pointes
Acronym used in ACLS during cardiac arrest.
CAB (Circulation, Airway, Breathing)
Preferred site for arterial line insertion.
Radial artery
Major side effect associated with long-term use of amiodarone.
Pulmonary toxicity
Nursing intervention to reduce ICU delirium.
Promote sleep and orientation
Electrolyte imbalance commonly associated with peaked T-waves.
Hyperkalemia
Time frame for administering fibrinolytics in acute MI.
Within 30 minutes of hospital arrival
Nursing intervention that helps prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia
Elevate head of bed to 30–45 degrees
Main cardiac effect of dobutamine.
Increases myocardial contractility
Best patient position to enhance oxygenation in ARDS.
Prone position
Leads used to detect anterior wall myocardial infarction.
V1 to V4
A reversible cause of pulseless electrical activity due to fluid in the pericardial sac.
Cardiac tamponade
Typical range for ventilator high-pressure alarm settings.
20–30 cm H₂O
Drug used to reverse opioid overdose.
Naloxone
Ethical principle that supports a patient’s right to withdraw life support.
Autonomy