ECG & Rhythms
This ECG change is classically seen with hyperkalemia
What are peaked T waves?
This pressure reflects right ventricular preload and the volume of blood returning to the heart.
What is central venous pressure (CVP)?
The primary purpose of hemodynamic monitoring post-cardiac surgery is this.
What is assessing cardiac function and guiding fluid therapy?
This is the most modifiable risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm expansion.
What is hypertension?
The most concerning vital sign change in a patient receiving nitroprusside is this.
What is severe hypotension?
A prolonged QT interval puts the patient at risk for this lethal rhythm
What is torsades de pointes?
This pressure is measured by wedging a pulmonary artery catheter balloon, reflecting left atrial pressure, and is considered the most sensitive indicator of cardiac function.
What is pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP)?
This is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP).
What is monitoring for limb ischemia?
Patients with this side of heart failure will commonly present with pulmonary crackles, orthopnea, and dyspnea on exertion.
What is left-sided heart failure?
Before starting vasopressor therapy in a patient with shock, this fluid status assessment must be made.
What is fluid responsiveness?
HR 92, irregular rhythm, no visible P waves, QRS 0.10. This rhythm is most likely…
What is atrial fibrillation?
This is the variation in stroke volume with the respiratory cycle, used to assess fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated patients.
What is stroke volume variation (SVV)?
A patient with a VAD reports dizziness and lightheadedness. This is the nurse’s first action.
What is check VAD flow and battery status immediately?
Placing a patient in Fowler’s position, leaning forward, helps relieve pain from this cardiac condition.
What is acute pericarditis?
This medication is the first-line drug given during cardiac arrest.
What is epinephrine?
A pacemaker spike with no QRS following indicates this malfunction.
What is failure to capture?
This measurement adjusts cardiac output for body surface area, providing a more individualized assessment of cardiac function.
What is cardiac index (CI)?
Teaching for a new pacemaker should include these important points. (Give 2–3)
What are avoiding MRI, monitoring for infection, carrying pacemaker ID, and avoiding contact sports?
This best describes the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease.
What is decreased coronary artery diameter, leading to reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery to the heart muscle?
This antiarrhythmic is used for ventricular arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation, but requires monitoring for long-term toxicities such as pulmonary, thyroid, and liver effects.
What is amiodarone?
This arrhythmia is caused by a reentrant circuit in the atria, producing rapid atrial contractions often seen as “sawtooth” waves on ECG.
What is atrial flutter?
This is the resistance the right ventricle must overcome to pump blood through the pulmonary circulation.
What is pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR)?
Name three monitoring priorities for a patient receiving IABP support.
What are limb ischemia, hemodynamic status, and concerning symptoms?
This patient is at the highest risk for atrial flutter and other dysrhythmias.
Who is the client with a myocardial infarction and stent placement?
Patients with infective endocarditis often require this type and duration of therapy to eradicate the infection.
What are long-term IV antibiotics, usually for 4–6 weeks?