exam questions Flashcards
(52 cards)
what is Heart Failure
- The inability of the heart to pump or supply enough blood
- The ventricles can’t pump hard enough during systole, which is systolic heart failure
- Not enough blood fills the ventricles during diastole, which is diastolic heart failure
Because of these, the heart cannot pump blood effectively to meet the body’s needs for oxygen.
types of heart failire
left sided HF
Right sided HF
Biventricular heart failure
what is left sided hf caused by
Common causes include coronary artery disease, heart attack, and long-term high blood pressure
right sided hf
often due to advanced left-sided heart failure, high blood pressure in the lungs, or lung diseases.
Biventricular heart failure
Both the left and right ventricles are affected, leading to reduced pumping capacity on both sides of the hear
What population groups are most at risk?
people with a histiory of
- mi or heart attack
- HTN
- CKD
- Diabetes
people
- first nations
- socioeconomically disadvantaged
elderly people over the age of 65years
What modifiable risk factors increase the risk of this condition
-HTN
-Smoking
-Obesity
-Unhealthy diet
-Excessive alcohol intake
-Poorly managed diabetes
left sided hf S+S
- dyspnoea
- orthopnoea
- paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea
- fatigue and weakness
- cough
- pulmonary crackles on auscultation
right sided hf S+S
- peripheral oedema
- ascities
- jugular vein distention
- enlarged liver
- weight gain due to fluid retention
biventricle heart failure s+s
shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs and ankles, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and reduced ability to exercise
common diagnostic tests
CXR,ECHO,ECG,BNP and NT-proBNP, blood tests, MRI CT, stress test, cardiac catheterisation
intervetions to reduce HF
-Control blood pressure
-Manage diabetes
-Avoid smoking
-Reduce alcohol intake
-Regular health checks
lifestyle interventiosn to delay progression
-Low sodium diet
-Fluid restriction
-Daily weight
-Physical activity
-Cease smoking
-Medication adherence
-Educate patient - understanding symptoms of worsening heart failure (e.g., breathlessness, weight gain
role of nursing suport in management of hf
- patient education
- monitoring, fluids, vitals, signs of deterioration
- referrals, cardiologist, Dietian, diabetes educator, physiotherapist
- emotional support
- end of life care
What are the components of an adult respiratory assessment
inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
gcs
vitals
bgl
- What is bronchiolitis? Include pathophysiology and S&S.
Definition:
Bronchiolitis is a common viral lower respiratory tract infection affecting infants and young children, most often caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
Pathophysiology:
* The virus infects the epithelial cells of the bronchioles.
* Leads to inflammation, oedema, and increased mucus production.
* The small airways (bronchioles) become narrowed or obstructed, resulting in:
o Air trapping
o Atelectasis (alveolar collapse)
o Impaired gas exchange
Signs & Symptoms:
* Increased work of breathing (WOB)
* Tachypnoea (↑ RR)
* Nasal flaring, chest recessions (subcostal, intercostal)
* Wheezing and/or crackles on auscultation
* Cough (often wet)
* Feeding difficulty or refusal
* Irritability or lethargy
* Mild fever
* Apnoea (especially in young infants)
If High flow oxygen therapy is required, what equipment will be needed for this? How will you
explain this intervention to Oliver’s mother?
- High flow oxygen delivery system
- Heated humidifier (to warm and humidify oxygen)
- Appropriately sized nasal cannula (high-flow)
- Oxygen blender (to titrate FiO₂)
- Flowmeter (can deliver up to 2 L/kg/min)
- Pulse oximeter for monitoring
- Suction equipment (if needed)
. Describe the Pathophysiology of Stroke
- A stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain cell death due to lack of oxygen and nutrients.
- Two main types:
o Ischaemic stroke (∼85%): Caused by a clot or embolus blocking a cerebral artery (e.g. thrombotic or embolic stroke).
o Haemorrhagic stroke (∼15%): Caused by rupture of a cerebral blood vessel, leading to bleeding in or around the brain. - This leads to infarction or damage in the affected brain region, causing neurological deficits related to the area affected (e.g. speech, mobility, vision, cognition).
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Stroke? (FAST/BEFAST
F – Face: Facial droop, one side not moving
A – Arms: Arm weakness or drift on one side
S – Speech: Slurred or incoherent speech
T – Time: Time is critical – act fast, call emergency services
BEFAST (more comprehensive):
B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
E – Eyes: Sudden vision loss, double vision
F – Face: Facial asymmetry or droop
A – Arms: Arm or leg weakness/numbness
S – Speech: Slurred, confused, or absent speech
T – Time: Call 000 immediately – early treatment improves outcomes
Immediate Assessment and Management
*Primary survey (DRSABCD) – airway, breathing, circulation
*Neurological status (GCS, pupil response, limb strength)
*Use FAST or BEFAST tools
*Vital signs – BP, HR, O2 sats, RR, temp
*Blood glucose – rule out hypoglycaemia (stroke mimic)
*Pain, nausea, incontinence (secondary)
Management:
Call stroke response/medical emergency team
Maintain airway and oxygenation if needed
Keep NPO (nil by mouth) until swallow assessment completed
Monitor neuro obs and vital signs closely
Prepare for imaging (urgent CT scan)
Prepare for possible IV thrombolysis if within therapeutic window (4.5 hours for ischaemic stroke)
Important Cues or Pieces of Information
*Time of symptom onset – critical for thrombolysis eligibility
*Medical history: Atrial fibrillation, hypertension, diabetes, previous TIA or stroke
*Medications: Anticoagulants, antihypertensives
*Witness reports – what was the patient doing? Did symptoms resolve and return?
*Neurological signs – any weakness, speech disturbance, vision loss, altered consciousness
