Final Exam Flash Cards

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and definitions related to cardiac care and emergency response as discussed in the lecture.

Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG)

A record of electrical impulses of the heart produced by an electrocardiograph.

Bicuspid valve (Mitral valve)

The valve found between the left atrium and left ventricle.

Echocardiography (ECHO)

The use of ultrasonic waves directed through the heart to study its structure and motion.

Pulmonary vein

Transports oxygenated blood back to the left atrium.

Right atrium

Receives deoxygenated blood from the superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, and coronary sinus.

AV node

A node where the electrical impulse leaves and moves to the bundle of His.

Bundle of His (AV bundle)

Located in the upper interventricular septum for transmitting impulses.

Purkinje fibers

Fibers that transmit the impulse quickly to the ventricular cardiac cells.

Polarized state

The resting state of a cardiac cell before the impulse hits.

Repolarized state

The recovery phase where the cell’s charge returns to negative after an impulse.

P wave

Represents atrial depolarization in an ECG.

PR segment

The time between the end of atrial depolarization and start of ventricular depolarization.

QRS complex

Activity representing ventricular depolarization and atrial repolarization.

ST segment

An isoelectric line indicating no electrical activity in the heart.

Augmented leads

Unipolar leads that provide information on the vertical or frontal plane of the heart.

ECG paper

Special paper used for ECG machines, categorized into small and large boxes.

Chart speed

Regulates the speed of the paper during an ECG recording.

V1 electrode

Placed on the fourth intercostal space at the right sternal edge.

Dextrocardia

A condition where the heart is located on the right side of the chest.

Somatic tremor artifact

Appears as jagged peaks on an ECG due to involuntary or voluntary movement.

Interrupted baseline artifact

Caused by an electrical connection interruption in ECG lead wires.

Heart block

A disruption or slowing of the electrical impulse through the heart.

Holter monitor

Used to monitor the heart over a 24- to 48-hour period.

Isoelectric line

A straight line indicating a period with no electrical activity.

Wandering baseline artifact

Occurs when the baseline shifts up or down due to poor connection.

AC interference artifact

Results from electrical interference affecting the ECG reading.

Sinus bradycardia

Condition where the heart rate is below 60 beats per minute.

Exercise stress test preparation

Instructions for patients regarding exercise attire and medication prior to testing.

Defibrillator

A device that delivers an electrical shock to restore a normal heartbeat.

Tape measure for children

Used to determine medication dosages and equipment sizes based on child's length.

Risk factors for heat-related illness

Includes age, dehydration, heart disease, and certain medications.

Burn assessment

Evaluates burn severity based on surface area affected.

Bite screening questions

Questions asked to assess exposure to animal bites.

Animals with rabies

Common animals include raccoons, bats, and dogs.

First aid for foreign body in the eye

Irrigate the eye with clean water or saline; seek medical care if necessary.

First aid for diabetic ketoacidosis

Call 911, monitor airway and pulse, perform CPR if needed.

Ischemic stroke

Occurs when arterial blood flow to the brain is blocked.

Cerebrovascular accident symptoms

Include confusion, speech difficulties, and numbness on one side of the body.

Myocardial infarction (MI) response

Immediate actions upon a patient presenting with chest pain.

Nitroglycerin

A medication that acts as a vasodilator for heart conditions.

Child CPR positions

Tilt the head slightly past the neutral position for children.

Rescue breaths ratio for adults

30 compressions to 2 ventilations during CPR.

Vasodilator

Medication that dilates blood vessels, often used for angina.

Second-degree burn symptoms

Includes redness, blisters, and pain.

Hemorrhagic stroke

Occurs from a ruptured artery in the brain causing damage.

Hyperventilation symptoms

Include lightheadedness, shortness of breath, and muscle spasms.

Chemical exposure response

Bring the affected person to fresh air immediately.