📝 Cardiovascular Assessment Flashcards
(130 cards)
1
Q
What are the components of a comprehensive cardiovascular health assessment?
A
Primary assessment, secondary survey, and focused assessment.
2
Q
What is the primary assessment acronym used?
A
DRS ABCDE (Danger, Response, Send for Help, Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure).
3
Q
What are the 5 moments to remember during a primary assessment?
A
Allergies, washing hands, preparing patient and obtaining consent, and having necessary equipment (stethoscope, pillow, watch).
4
Q
Why is a careful health history important in cardiovascular assessment?
A
To understand the patient’s medical background, which can impact cardiovascular health.
5
Q
What is the purpose of the secondary survey in cardiovascular assessment?
A
To conduct a thorough head-to-toe physical examination and gather subjective data through health history.
6
Q
What aspects of respiratory history are important to inquire about?
A
Cough (moist or dry), shortness of breath (on exertion or at rest), orthopnea, hemoptysis, and wheezing/stridor.
7
Q
How is peripheral circulation assessed?
A
By checking capillary refill time and examining for unilateral or bilateral edema.
8
Q
Why is understanding a patient’s history of blood clots important?
A
To assess the risk of clot-related complications and determine appropriate interventions.
9
Q
How does diabetes impact cardiovascular health?
A
It can affect circulation and increase susceptibility to infections.
10
Q
What aspects of medication history are relevant in cardiovascular assessment?
A
Current medications, compliance, effectiveness, and any over-the-counter medications.
11
Q
What surgical and diagnostic procedures should be considered in Mr. Jones’s history?
A
Heart or vein surgeries, hospital admissions for chest pain, and results of chest X-rays and ECGs.
12
Q
How does lifestyle influence cardiovascular health?
A
Factors such as diet, smoking/alcohol use, sleep patterns, exercise habits, and stress coping mechanisms play a role.
13
Q
Why is it important to inquire about allergies and family history?
A
Allergies can impact medication choices, while family history provides insights into genetic predispositions to cardiovascular conditions.
14
Q
What is the goal of a cardiovascular health assessment?
A
To identify abnormalities by understanding normal values and the patient’s individual history.
15
Q
What are some common terms related to cardiovascular health that should be understood?
A
Hypertension, myocardial infarction, angina, heart failure.
16
Q
How can the normal heart sounds be related to events in the cardiac cycle?
A
By understanding the timing and characteristics of heart sounds such as S1 (lub) and S2 (dub) in relation to the closing of heart valves.
17
Q
What are the five cardiovascular diagnostic tests?
A
ECG (electrocardiogram), echocardiogram, stress test, cardiac catheterization, and lipid profile.
18
Q
What is the significance of knowing normal values in a cardiovascular assessment?
A
It provides a baseline for comparison to identify deviations and abnormalities.
19
Q
Why is it important to address presenting problems first in a health history interview?
A
To prioritize immediate concerns and provide targeted care.
20
Q
How does orthopnea relate to cardiovascular health?
A
It indicates difficulty breathing when lying flat, which can be a sign of heart failure.
21
Q
What is the significance of capillary refill time in assessing peripheral circulation?
A
It indicates the adequacy of blood flow to the extremities.
22
Q
How does medication compliance impact cardiovascular management?
A
Non-compliance can lead to inadequate control of cardiovascular conditions and increased risk of complications.
23
Q
Why is it relevant to inquire about chest X-rays and ECG results in a patient’s history?
A
These diagnostic tests provide valuable information about cardiac structure and function.
24
Q
How do lifestyle factors like diet and exercise influence cardiovascular health?
A
They can impact cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and overall heart health.
25
What role does psychosocial factors play in cardiovascular assessment?
Stress coping mechanisms, social support, and mental health can affect cardiovascular health outcomes.
26
What are some potential complications of blood clots in cardiovascular health?
Stroke, pulmonary embolism, and deep vein thrombosis.
27
How does diabetes affect circulation and infections in cardiovascular health?
Diabetes can lead to peripheral vascular disease and increase the risk of infections in the feet and legs.
28
Why is it important to tailor a cardiovascular assessment to individual patient needs and concerns?
To ensure a patient-centered approach and address specific issues that may impact cardiovascular health.
29
Why is chest pain assessment important?
It helps identify heart conditions, including heart attacks, and other potential issues like aortic aneurysm.
30
What are the signs of a heart attack?
Chest pain is a common indicator, and quick intervention can improve outcomes. Tests like ECG and blood tests help confirm diagnosis.
31
What are the types of chest pain?
Cardiac (angina, myocardial infarction) and non-cardiac (musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, and other causes).
32
What does the P in the PQRST mnemonic stand for?
Precipitating factors: What the patient was doing when the pain started, sudden or gradual onset.
33
What information is gathered during the Q (Quality) assessment?
Description of pain quality (sharp, dull, crushing), paying attention to red flag descriptors.
34
Which areas does the pain typically radiate to, as indicated by R in PQRST?
Neck, jaw, shoulders, arms, interscapular region, or epigastrium.
35
What does S represent in the PQRST mnemonic?
Severity of pain, often assessed using a pain scale.
36
How does the T (Timing) aspect help in chest pain assessment?
It assesses the onset, duration, frequency of pain, and any factors that exacerbate or alleviate it.
37
Name some associated signs and symptoms of chest pain.
Shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, sweating, pallor, feeling of impending doom, collapse.
38
What are some factors that can exacerbate chest pain?
Exercise, movement, stress, eating/drinking, breathing (especially pain on inspiration), trauma, palpation.
39
What vital signs should be assessed during a physical examination?
Heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, temperature, Glasgow Coma Scale, urine output, pain scale, blood sugars.
40
How is the chest inspected during a physical examination?
Look for deformities, scarring, bruising, lacerations, pulsations, and assess skin color for pallor or cyanosis.
41
What is assessed during palpation in chest pain assessment?
Temperature, moisture, pulses (rhythm and force), edema, and capillary refill.
42
Which major arteries are palpated during a physical examination?
Radial, brachial, femoral, popliteal, dorsalis pedis, and posterior tibial arteries.
43
What aspects of the skin, hair, and nails are assessed during examination?
Color changes, temperature, moisture, hair texture and loss, nail thickness and brittleness.
44
What sounds are listened for during chest auscultation?
Breath sounds, heart sounds, and blood flow in major arteries like the carotid and femoral.
45
What should be done with any abnormal findings during examination?
They should be promptly reported to senior staff for further evaluation.
46
Why is accurate documentation important in chest pain assessment?
It ensures all assessments and findings are recorded for future reference and informs the patient about observations.
47
Why do we focus on chest pain during health history?
Chest pain can indicate life-threatening conditions, and an accurate history helps differentiate between cardiac and non-cardiac causes.
48
How does the PQRST mnemonic aid in chest pain assessment?
It provides a structured approach to gather information about precipitating factors, pain quality, radiation, severity, and timing of chest pain.
49
Why is it important to ask about precipitating factors in chest pain assessment?
Precipitating factors can provide valuable clues about the cause of chest pain and help in determining appropriate interventions.
50
How does assessing the quality of pain contribute to chest pain evaluation?
Understanding the quality of pain (sharp, dull, tearing, etc.) can help differentiate between different causes of chest pain and guide treatment decisions.
51
What areas of the body should be assessed for radiation of chest pain?
Radiation to the neck, jaw, shoulders, arms, and interscapular region should be noted, as it can indicate certain cardiac or non-cardiac conditions.
52
How does assessing the severity of chest pain assist in patient care?
Severity assessment helps determine the urgency of intervention and provides a baseline for monitoring response to treatment.
53
Why is timing important in chest pain assessment?
Timing helps determine the progression and duration of chest pain, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning.
54
What treatments might improve chest pain?
Cessation of activity, rest, medication, oxygen therapy, specific movements or positions, and heat/cold therapy may alleviate chest pain depending on the underlying cause.
55
What associated signs and symptoms should be noted during chest pain assessment?
Shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, sweating, changes in skin color, feeling of impending doom, and collapse are important to document.
56
What factors can exacerbate chest pain?
Activities like exercise or movement, stress, eating or drinking, breathing, trauma, and palpation of the chest can worsen chest pain.
57
How are extremities assessed during a physical examination for chest pain?
Pulses are palpated at various points, and the skin, hair, and nails are inspected for abnormalities indicative of circulatory or other systemic issues.
58
What vital signs are considered normal for an adult during a physical examination?
Heart rate (60 to 100 bpm), respiratory rate (9 to 20 bpm), oxygen saturation (94% and above), blood pressure (less than 120/80 mmHg), temperature (36 to 37 degrees Celsius), and consciousness level (15 on the Glasgow Coma Scale).
59
Why is it important to report any abnormal findings promptly?
Prompt reporting ensures timely intervention and appropriate management of potential health issues.
60
How does documentation contribute to chest pain assessment?
Accurate documentation provides a record of assessments, findings, and interventions, facilitating communication among healthcare providers and ensuring continuity of care.
61
What are the anterior landmarks in the chest?
The anterior landmarks include the front of the chest.
62
Which part of the chest is considered posterior?
The posterior refers to the back of the chest.
63
Where is the lateral aspect of the chest located?
The lateral side refers to the sides of the chest.
64
What is the midline in the chest, and what important structure is located there?
The midline is the middle of the chest, where the sternum is located.
65
What is the scapular heel, and why is it important?
The scapular heel is located on the back and is useful for auscultating breath sounds.
66
How can the clavicle assist in locating landmarks in the chest?
The clavicle helps in counting down the ribs, aiding in locating specific areas.
67
What is the significance of the angle of Louis?
The angle of Louis is a notch indicating the start of the sternum, serving as a landmark for various assessments.
68
Why is rib counting important in chest examinations?
Rib counting begins from the clavicle and is crucial for locating intercostal spaces, which are vital for auscultation and other clinical assessments.
69
What is auscultation, and why are intercostal spaces important in this procedure?
Auscultation involves listening to internal body sounds using a stethoscope. Intercostal spaces provide access to different areas of the chest for auscultation.
70
What are the normal heart sounds represented by?
Normal heart sounds are represented by "Lub Dub."
71
What event in the cardiac cycle marks the beginning of systole, and which heart sound corresponds to it?
The closure of atrioventricular valves marks the beginning of systole, corresponding to the S1 heart sound.
72
Where is S1 typically auscultated on the chest?
S1 is usually auscultated on the left of the midclavicular line at the 5th intercostal space.
73
What event in the cardiac cycle marks the beginning of diastole, and which heart sound corresponds to it?
The closure of semilunar valves marks the beginning of diastole, corresponding to the S2 heart sound.
74
Where is S2 typically auscultated on the chest?
S2 is auscultated on both the left and right sternal borders at the 2nd intercostal space.
75
What are some examples of abnormal heart sounds, and what can they indicate?
Abnormal heart sounds include murmurs, which can indicate increased blood velocity, structural valve defects, or other abnormalities.
76
What are the classifications of murmurs?
Murmurs can be classified as innocent, functional, or pathological, depending on their underlying cause.
77
How can the stethoscope be used to assess for abnormal heart sounds?
The diaphragm of the stethoscope can be used over specific areas of the chest to listen for murmurs, while the bell can be used for other auscultatory assessments.
78
Why is it important to report any abnormal heart sounds promptly?
Prompt reporting of abnormal heart sounds allows for further evaluation and timely intervention to address potential cardiac issues.
79
What is the mnemonic "All Patients Take Medicine" used for?
The mnemonic is used to remember the locations of the heart valves (Aortic, Pulmonic, Tricuspid, Mitral) corresponding to the intercostal spaces.
80
How does the mnemonic "All Patients Take Medicine" help in locating heart valve positions?
Each word in the mnemonic corresponds to the initial letters of the heart valves (Aortic, Pulmonic, Tricuspid, Mitral) and their positions relative to the intercostal spaces.
81
Where is the aortic valve located anatomically?
The aortic valve is located at the 2nd intercostal space on the right side of the chest.
82
What is the significance of knowing the location of the aortic valve?
Knowing the location of the aortic valve is important for accurately auscultating heart sounds and diagnosing conditions affecting the aortic valve.
83
In which intercostal space is the pulmonic valve typically located?
The pulmonic valve is typically located at the 2nd intercostal space on the left side of the chest.
84
Why is it important to differentiate between the aortic and pulmonic valve locations during auscultation?
Differentiating between the aortic and pulmonic valve locations helps in accurately localizing abnormal heart sounds and diagnosing specific cardiac conditions.
85
Where is the tricuspid valve situated on the chest?
The tricuspid valve is located along the midsternal border at the 5th intercostal space.
86
What is the role of the tricuspid valve in the heart?
The tricuspid valve regulates blood flow between the right atrium and right ventricle of the heart.
87
What is the anatomical location of the mitral valve?
The mitral valve is situated along the mid-clavicular line at the 5th intercostal space.
88
How is the mitral valve different from the other heart valves in terms of location?
The mitral valve is located more laterally along the mid-clavicular line compared to the other valves, which are typically situated along the sternal border.
89
Why is it important to accurately locate the mitral valve during auscultation?
Accurately locating the mitral valve allows for precise assessment of heart sounds and identification of abnormalities, aiding in the diagnosis of cardiac conditions.
90
How does accurate documentation contribute to proper patient care in chest examinations?
Accurate documentation ensures that all findings and assessments are recorded for reference and communication among healthcare providers, ultimately leading to better patient care and treatment outcomes.
91
What is hypertension, and what does it indicate?
Hypertension refers to high blood pressure, which can indicate increased strain on the heart and blood vessels, leading to various cardiovascular complications.
92
Describe stable angina and its characteristics.
Stable angina is chest pain caused by coronary artery disease. It typically occurs with exertion, resolves within 5 minutes of rest or medication, and is relieved by glyceryl trinitrate.
93
What distinguishes unstable angina from stable angina?
Unstable angina occurs at rest or with minimal exertion, does not quickly resolve, and may progress to an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack).
94
Define myocardial infarction and its implications.
Myocardial infarction, or heart attack, occurs due to the complete blockage of blood flow to part of the heart, resulting in cell death of the myocardium and potential long-term complications.
95
What is heart failure, and what are its consequences?
Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot adequately pump or fill with blood, leading to insufficient oxygen supply to the body's tissues and organs, resulting in symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention.
96
What is the purpose of an electrocardiogram (ECG)?
An ECG evaluates the electrical activity of the heart, providing information about heart rhythm, conduction abnormalities, and signs of myocardial ischemia or infarction.
97
How does an angiogram aid in cardiovascular diagnosis?
An angiogram visualizes the coronary arteries by injecting a radioopaque dye, allowing clinicians to assess for blockages or narrowing that may impede blood flow to the heart.
98
What does a stress test measure, and how is it performed?
A stress test assesses cardiac function under physical stress by measuring heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG changes during exercise or pharmacological stress.
99
What is the significance of CK-MB in cardiovascular diagnostics?
CK-MB is an enzyme released by cardiac muscle cells, making it specific for detecting cardiac muscle damage, particularly in the context of myocardial infarction.
100
How does troponin contribute to the diagnosis of cardiovascular conditions?
Troponin is a protein released by damaged cardiac muscle cells, serving as a sensitive marker for myocardial injury, such as that seen in myocardial infarction.
101
What other cardiovascular blood investigations are commonly performed?
Additional blood tests may include electrolyte levels, cross-matching for blood transfusions, full blood counts, and cholesterol levels to assess overall cardiovascular health and risk factors.
102
Why is it important to differentiate between stable and unstable angina?
Distinguishing between stable and unstable angina is crucial because unstable angina can indicate a more serious underlying cardiovascular condition and may require immediate medical attention to prevent complications like myocardial infarction.
103
What are the typical symptoms of stable angina?
Typical symptoms of stable angina include chest discomfort or pain that occurs with exertion, such as during physical activity or emotional stress, and is relieved by rest or medication.
104
How does stable angina differ from a heart attack?
Stable angina involves temporary chest discomfort or pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, usually triggered by exertion and relieved by rest or medication. In contrast, a heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs due to a complete blockage of blood flow to part of the heart muscle, resulting in irreversible damage.
105
What are the risk factors for hypertension?
Risk factors for hypertension include age, family history, obesity, lack of physical activity, excessive salt intake, alcohol consumption, smoking, stress, and certain medical conditions like diabetes and kidney disease.
106
How is hypertension diagnosed?
Hypertension is diagnosed through blood pressure measurements taken on multiple occasions. A diagnosis is made if systolic blood pressure consistently measures 130 mmHg or higher, or diastolic blood pressure measures 80 mmHg or higher.
107
Why is controlling hypertension important for cardiovascular health?
Controlling hypertension is important for cardiovascular health because high blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications. Lowering blood pressure through lifestyle changes and medication reduces these risks.
108
What are some lifestyle modifications recommended for managing hypertension?
Lifestyle modifications for managing hypertension include adopting a heart-healthy diet (e.g., DASH diet), reducing sodium intake, increasing physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, managing stress, and quitting smoking.
109
Describe the role of the aortic valve in the heart.
The aortic valve is located between the left ventricle and the aorta and prevents the backflow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. It opens to allow blood to be ejected from the left ventricle into the aorta during systole.
110
How does heart failure affect cardiac function?
Heart failure impairs the heart's ability to pump blood effectively or fill with blood adequately, leading to decreased cardiac output and inadequate perfusion of tissues and organs. This can result in symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention.
111
What is the primary goal of a comprehensive cardiovascular health assessment?
a) Identifying abnormalities
b) Knowing normal
c) Finding the problem
d) Assessing vital signs
Answer: b) Knowing normal
112
Which of the following is NOT a component of a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment?
a) Primary assessment
b) Respiratory assessment
c) Psychological evaluation
d) Focused assessment
Answer: c) Psychological evaluation
113
Which landmark in the chest indicates the start of the sternum?
a) Clavicle
b) Rib count
c) Angle of Louis
d) Scapular heel
Answer: c) Angle of Louis
114
Troponin is released when there is damage to which type of muscle?
a) Skeletal
b) Smooth
c) Cardiac
d) Vascular
Answer: c) Cardiac
115
Which test evaluates the electrical activity of the heart?
a) Echocardiogram
b) Stress test
c) Electrocardiogram
d) Angiogram
Answer: c) Electrocardiogram
116
True or False: Unstable angina occurs primarily during physical exertion
False
117
True or False: Stable angina can often be relieved by rest or medication
True
118
True or False: Myocardial infarction is caused by partial blockage of blood flow to the heart
False
119
True or False: Troponin is a protein specific to skeletal muscle damage
False
120
True or False: Heart failure occurs when the heart pumps blood effectively
False
121
__________ is high blood pressure.
Hypertension
122
Stable angina is typically relieved by __________ or medication.
Rest
123
Myocardial infarction results from a complete blockage of blood flow to part of the __________.
Heart
124
Angiograms visualize the __________ arteries.
Coronary
125
Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump or __________ adequately.
Fill
126
The __________ of Louis is a notch indicating the start of the sternum.
Angle
127
__________ are enzymes released when cardiac muscle is damaged.
Troponin
128
CK-MB is specific for __________ muscle damage.
Cardiac
129
Unstable angina may progress to an acute __________.
Answer: Myocardial infarction
130
__________ assesses cardiac function under physical stress.
Answer: Stress test
