Coronary Artery Disease / Myocardial Infarction
What are the symptoms of heart failure?
Shortness of breath (dyspnea), fatigue and weakness, swelling in legs, ankles, or abdomen (edema), rapid weight gain, pulmonary congestion (crackles on lung auscultation).
What causes dysrhythmias?
Electrolyte imbalances (potassium, magnesium), myocardial ischemia or infarction, heart failure, drug toxicity (e.g., digoxin), stress or stimulants.
What is pericarditis?
Inflammation of the pericardium; symptoms: sharp chest pain worsened with inspiration, friction rub; complications: pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade.
What is cardiomyopathy?
Disease of the heart muscle; types: dilated, hypertrophic, restrictive; causes: genetic, alcohol, viral infection; symptoms: fatigue, shortness of breath, arrhythmias.
What medications are used to treat coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction?
Nitroglycerin: vasodilator (widens blood vessels) to relieve chest pain
Aspirin: antiplatelet to prevent blood clots
Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol): decrease heart rate and workload to reduce oxygen demand
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril): prevent ventricular remodeling to improve cardiac output
Statins (e.g., atorvastatin): lower cholesterol to reduce plaque buildup
What medications are used for heart failure?
Diuretics (e.g., furosemide): remove excess fluid to reduce edema
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors / Angiotensin II receptor blockers: reduce afterload to improve cardiac output
Beta-blockers: reduce workload of the heart
Digoxin: increases contractility to improve cardiac output
What treatments and medications are used?
Antiarrhythmic medications (e.g., amiodarone, lidocaine), beta-blockers (reduce heart rate), calcium channel blockers (control heart rate), electrical interventions (cardioversion, defibrillation, pacemaker).
How is pericarditis managed?
Administer nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, monitor for effusion.
How are valve disorders managed?
Medications: anticoagulants for mechanical valves; education: prophylactic antibiotics for procedures, medication adherence; nursing interventions: monitor for murmur changes, edema, and signs of heart failure.
How is the effectiveness of treatment evaluated for CAD/MI
Relief of chest pain, blood pressure and heart rate within normal limits, absence of complications.
How is treatment effectiveness evaluated?
Reduced edema, improved oxygenation, stable vital signs.
What should nurses assess in Heart Dysrhythmia
Heart rate, rhythm, blood pressure; dizziness, fainting (syncope), chest pain; underlying cause of dysrhythmia.
What is endocarditis?
Infection of the heart valves; symptoms: fever, new heart murmur, small red spots on skin (petechiae); complications: emboli, heart failure.
What patient education is important for coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction?
Lifestyle changes (low-sodium, low-fat diet, regular exercise), medication adherence, recognizing chest pain and when to seek help.
What patient education is important for HF
Daily weight monitoring, sodium and fluid restriction, medication adherence, recognizing early signs of decompensation such as increased shortness of breath and rapid weight gain.
What post-procedure education is important for Heart dysrhythmia
Pacemaker care (avoid MRI, monitor incision), when to call healthcare provider for irregular heart rhythms.
How is endocarditis managed?
Antibiotics, monitor vital signs, teach hygiene.
Which labs and diagnostic tests are used?
Troponin (elevated with heart muscle injury), creatine kinase-MB (elevated after myocardial infarction), electrocardiogram (detects abnormal heart rhythms or ischemia), coronary angiography (visualizes blockages in coronary arteries), chest X-ray (assesses heart size and pulmonary congestion).
Which labs and diagnostic tests are used for HF
B-type natriuretic peptide (elevated when ventricles are stretched), echocardiogram (assesses ejection fraction and heart structure), chest X-ray (detects pulmonary congestion).
What are consequences of untreated dysrhythmias?
Stroke (from atrial fibrillation), heart failure, cardiac arrest.
What nursing interventions are important for CAD/ MI
Administer oxygen if hypoxic, position patient upright to reduce workload on the heart, monitor vital signs and cardiac rhythm, provide anxiety reduction and emotional support.
What nursing interventions are important for HF
Elevate head of bed (promotes easier breathing), monitor intake and output (fluid balance), administer medications as ordered, encourage rest and energy conservation.
What are potential complications of CAD/ MI
A: Heart failure (inability of the heart to pump effectively), cardiogenic shock (severe decrease in cardiac output), dysrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), cardiac rupture or aneurysm.
Heart failure (inability of the heart to pump effectively), cardiogenic shock (severe decrease in cardiac output), dysrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), cardiac rupture or aneurysm.