CARDIAC
What does a capillary refill assessment primarily help you evaluate?
Peripheral tissue perfusion.
Where does gas exchange between oxygen and carbon dioxide primarily occur?
The alveoli.
What structure normally acts as the hearts natural pacemaker?
SA Node
What is the primary muscle responsible for inspiration?
The diaphragm.
What is the main function of the coronary arteries?
They supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle (myocardium)
During a respiratory assessment, the nurse notices that the patient's trachea has shifted away from the affected side. What potentially life-threatening condition should the nurse suspect?
Tension pneumothorax
A patient has decreased cardiac output. Which assessment finding would the nurse expect?
A. Bounding peripheral pulses
B. Increased urine output
C. Cool, clammy skin and altered mental status
D. Warm, flushed skin
C. Cool, clammy skin and altered mental status.
A patient is lying flat and says, “I can't breathe unless I sit up.” What term describes this?
Orthopnea.
A patient with heart failure has decreased cardiac output. Which finding would indicate that the kidneys are receiving inadequate perfusion?
A. Increased urine output
B. Decreased urine output
C. Increased bowel sounds
D. Warm, flushed skin
B. Decreased urine output.
During assessment, the nurse notices that the patient's chest expands more on the right side than the left. What does unequal chest expansion tell the nurse?
It suggests decreased ventilation on the affected side and may indicate conditions such as pneumothorax or atelectasis