Pathophysiology
In deep vein thrombosis (DVT), this is the greatest potential complication.
What is Pulmonary embolism (PE)?
The gold standard diagnostic test for coronary artery disease (CAD).
What is a Coronary angiography?
The best way to assess for jugular vein distention (JVD).
What is have the patient sit at a 45-degree angle and observe for vein distention in the neck?
The nurse will assess this prior to administering a calcium channel blocker medication, such as amlodipine.
What is check the apical pulse - hold if <60 bpm and check the blood pressure - hold if <100/60?
This position is best for a patient with heart failure and pulmonary edema.
What is Semi- or High-Fowler’s position to improve oxygenation?
The primary cause of coronary artery disease (CAD)?
What is Atherosclerosis – buildup of plaque in coronary arteries?
An elevated BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) level is indicative of this condition.
What is Heart failure?
This is when a patient with heart failure reports waking up gasping for air at night.
What is Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND)?
An antihypertensive medication that can cause a dry, nagging cough as a common side effect.
What are ACE inhibitors, such as lisinopril?
The priority intervention for a patient with a hypertensive crisis.
What is lower blood pressure gradually with antihypertensives to prevent organ damage?
In left-sided heart failure, blood backs up here.
What are the lungs, leading to pulmonary congestion and dyspnea?
A cardiac biomarker that is most specific for myocardial infarction (MI).
What is Troponin?
The primary assessment finding in a patient experiencing a myocardial infarction.
What is chest pain or discomfort, often described as crushing or pressure-like pain, sometimes radiating to the left arm, jaw, or back?
Beta-blocker medications, such as metoprolol, should be used with caution in patients with this respiratory disease.
What is Asthma or COPD, due to the risk of bronchospasm?
The 4 priority actions for a patient showing signs of an acute MI.
What are administer oxygen, nitroglycerin, aspirin, and morphine if needed – "MONA"?
The hallmark ECG change seen in a myocardial infarction?
What is ST-segment elevation in STEMI, or ST depression and T-wave inversion in NSTEMI?
These lipid levels are considered high-risk for cardiovascular disease.
What are HIGH LDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol and LOW HDL?
A classic symptom of peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
What is intermittent claudication, or pain in the legs with exertion that improves with rest?
This medication is commonly given to dissolve blood clots in acute MI or stroke (called the "clot buster").
What is alteplase or tPA – referred to as tissue plasminogen activator?
The first action for a patient who develops asystole (no heartbeat) on the ECG monitor.
What is assess the patient first - if no pulse then begin CPR immediately?
In right-sided heart failure, this is the main reason for peripheral edema.
What is increased venous pressure that causes fluid leakage into tissues due to right ventricular dysfunction?
A diagnostic test performed to assess heart function in a patient with infective endocarditis.
What is an Echocardiogram that is used to assess for vegetations on the heart valves?
A main difference between stable angina and unstable angina.
What is Stable angina is predictable, occurs with physical exertion and is relieved by rest and/or nitroglycerin; Unstable angina is unpredictable, occurs at rest, is not relieved by rest/nitroglycerin, continues increasing in severity, and is more dangerous?
The nurse will perform these preassessments prior to administering a loop diuretic for hypertension.
What are: 1 - Check potassium level and verify within normal range; 2 - Check kidney markers (creatinine/BUN/GFR) and verify within normal range (as they are nephrotoxic); and 3 - Check blood pressure and verify SBP >100 on average?
The primary non-pharmacologic intervention for managing chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)?
What is elevating the legs above heart level several times a day to promote venous return?