Perfusion Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to perfusion, the cardiovascular system, and relevant medical treatments and assessments.

Perfusion

The process by which oxygenated capillary blood passes through the body tissues.

Central Perfusion

Affects the whole body; an example includes heart failure.

Tissue Perfusion

Affects certain tissues or organs; an example includes peripheral artery disease.

Cardiovascular System

The system consisting of the heart, blood vessels, arteries, and veins responsible for the circulation of blood.

Preload

The degree of stretch of the heart muscle before it contracts; affects cardiac output.

Afterload

The pressure the heart must work against to eject blood during systole.

Cardiac Output

The volume of blood the heart pumps per minute, measured as CO = HR × Stroke Volume.

Arrhythmias

Disorders of heart rate or rhythm, which can significantly affect perfusion.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

A condition caused by the build-up of plaque in the coronary arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart.

Hypokalemia

Low potassium levels in the blood, which can lead to a variety of cardiovascular complications.

Echocardiogram

A sonogram of the heart used to evaluate the structure and function of the heart.

Blood pressure

The pressure of circulating blood against the walls of blood vessels; vital for maintaining perfusion.

Digoxin

A cardiac glycoside used to treat heart failure and increase cardiac output.

Anticoagulants

Medications that prevent blood clotting; prescribed for conditions like atrial fibrillation and venous thrombosis.

Statins

Medications used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)

A hormone released from the heart that is used to diagnose heart failure; levels >100 pg/mL suggest heart failure.

Follow-up appointments

Scheduled visits to monitor a patient's progress and adherence to treatment plans.

Ineffective tissue perfusion

A nursing diagnosis indicating inadequate blood flow to a part of the body, potentially causing harm.