Airway, Cardiology, and EMS Operations Lecture Review

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering cardiovascular anatomy, emergency medical procedures, types of shock, and various cardiac and neurological pathologies.

Tricuspid Valve

The heart valve located between the Right Atrium (RA) and the Right Ventricle (RV).

Bicuspid Valve

The heart valve located between the Left Atrium (LA) and the Left Ventricle (LV).

Capillary sphincter

Circular muscular walls that constrict and dilate to regulate blood flow through capillary beds, controlled by the ANS.

Perfusion triangle

The combination of the blood, the heart, and the blood vessels.

Epicardium

The outer layer of the heart wall.

Myocardium

The functional muscle layer of the heart.

Endocardium

The innermost layer of the heart wall.

ROSC

Return of Spontaneous Circulation; occurs when a pulse becomes palpable or $PETCO2$ suddenly increases.

Chain of Survival

Recognition of early warning signs/immediate EMS activation, immediate high quality chest compressions, rapid defibrillation, EMS ALS, and post arrest care.

Vagus nerve

Main nerve of the parasympathetic system; stimulation can cause a vasovagal response, a drop in $HR$ with dizziness or passing out.

Central pulses

The carotid and femoral pulses, which originate from larger arteries and are easiest to palpate.

Peripheral pulses

Pulses found at the extremities, including the brachial, radial, posterior tibial, and dorsalis pedis.

V tachy

Ventricular tachycardia ($150-200$ bpm); electrical activity begins in the ventricle instead of the atrium, resulting in less filling time and a drop in $BP$.

Asystole

A non-shockable cardiac rhythm characterized by a "flatline" or lack of electrical activity.

Aspirin

A medication ($162-325\,mg$) that inhibits platelet aggregation; contraindicated for children due to Reye syndrome.

Nitroglycerin

A vasodilator used for chest pain that relaxes muscle walls; contraindicated if systolic $BP < 100\,mmHg$ or if ED medications were taken in the past $48$ hours.

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)

A group of symptoms caused by myocardial ischemia, often involving chest pressure, tachycardia, and dyspnea.

Angina Pectoris

Temporary chest pain caused by the heart's oxygen demand exceeding its supply, typically resolving within $15$ minutes with rest or nitro.

Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI)

A condition where heart muscle cells die due to lack of oxygen; permanent damage can begin in $30$ minutes and $90\%$ die within $4-6$ hours.

Pulmonary embolism

A blockage caused by thrombi (usually from a DVT) traveling to the lung, leading to pleuritic chest pain and potential pump failure.

Aortic Aneurysm

A tearing or separation of the layers within the aortic wall, presenting as sudden onset deep chest pain radiating to the shoulder blades.

Ischemic Stroke

A type of CVA ($85\%$ of cases) caused by thrombotic or embolic occlusion of a cerebral artery.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

A type of CVA ($15\%$ of cases) caused by bleeding directly into brain tissue, often associated with chronic hypertension.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Focal brain, spinal cord, or retinal ischemia without acute infarction; often called "mini-strokes."

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

A condition where damaged ventricular muscle cannot keep up with blood return, leading to pulmonary or peripheral edema.

Cardiogenic Shock

Shock resulting from the heart's inability to pump sufficient blood volume; early signs include restlessness and anxiety.

Compensated shock

The early stage of shock where the body maintains perfusion through tachycardia, narrowing pulse pressures, and peripheral vasoconstriction.

Decompensated shock

The late stage of shock marked by hypotension, labored/irregular breathing, and poor perfusion.

Cushing’s triad

Signs of significant head injury: hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations (Cheyne-Stokes).

Beck’s Triad

Signs of cardiac tamponade: bilateral JVD, narrowing pulse pressure, and muffled heart sounds.

Cardiac Tamponade

A condition where blood or fluid fills the pericardial sac, putting pressure on the heart and limiting its ability to fill.

Dependent lividity

Discoloration of the skin where blood settles at the lowest point of the body after death.