All Hearts
This test a nurse must assess the gag reflex before allowing the patient to eat. The transducer is inserted into the esophagus to obtain a clearer view of the heart.
What is a Transthoracic echocardiogram or (TEE)?
Smoking, Diet, obesity, Elevated BMI, hypertension.
What are modifiable risk factors?
When this part of the heart fails the client will have crackles, cough, shortness of breath.
What is left-sided heart failure?
This can occur is the client abruptly stops taking blood pressure medication.
What is a rebound hypertension or a hypertensive emergency? (BP 180/120)
*Teach the client to take medication even if the BP is normal.*
The medication given if a patient experiences a cough for lisinopril (ACE Inhibitor).
What is angiotensin II receptor blockers (valsartan / losartan)
This test will measure the ejection fraction.
What is Echocardiogram?
This medication will lower the total cholesterol / lipid levels and can rhabdomyolysis.
What are statins: lovastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin.
Assessment findings: Increased abdominal girth / ascites, peripheral edema, jugular vein distension
What is right-sided heart failure?
Prevents falls with antihypertensive medication.
What is rising slow from a seated position or dangling?
*The client can experience orthostatic hypotension -become dizzy and fall.*
Beta blocker contraindicated in clients with lung disease such as asthma or COPD.
What is propranolol?
The nurse knows that a chest x-ray of a client with heart failure will read...
What is cardiomegaly?
Will also show pulmonary edema
This cholesterol lower medication can cause facial flushing.
What is Nicotinic acid: Niacin?
*This is a harmless side effect of the medication.*
Weight gain, edema, decreased urinary output.
What is fluid volume overload?
Diet for a client with hypertension.
What is a heart healthy diet? Low sodium low fat diet (DASH diet)?
Assessment for low potassium levels.
What is irregular pulse, muscle cramping & labs for potassium levels?
*Normal potassium levels are 3.5-5.0
The disorder the pulse will be diminished or absent if severe/
What is peripheral arterial disease?
Heart attack, stroke and blood clots...
What are complications of atherosclerosis?
Weight gain amount that is a sign of fluid volume overload or heart failure.
What is 2 pounds per day or 5 pounds per week?
This medication is contraindicated in COPD patients and asthma but can be used to treat hypertension.
What is propranolol?
This medication classification can cause rhabdomyolysis.
*Hint this medication can also be hard on the liver so you must monitor the AST and ALT (liver enzymes).*
What are statins?
Example: simvastatin
This disorder the client will have swelling and brownish discoloration (hemosiderosis).
What is a venous insufficiency or venous disorders?
3-part question:
1. Normal total is less than 200
2. Normal total is under 100.
3. Normal total is greater than 60.
1. What is total cholesterol?
2. What is LDL?
3. What is HDL?
Daily weights
I&O
Vitals
Fluid restriction
Low sodium diet
What are nursing interventions for heart failure?
These class of diuretics can lead to low potassium or K+ levels.
What is loop or thiazide diuretics?
This medication classification can mask the signs of hypoglycemia.
Hint: The nurse should be certain to monitor the glucose levels. *
What are beta blockers?
Example: metoprolol