NUR 561L – Exam 3 Study Guide Spring 26 Cardiac: Perfusion & Cardiac Output

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts related to cardiac perfusion, output, and associated medical conditions.

Perfusion

The delivery of blood to vital organs and tissues to maintain cellular viability.

Cardiac Output (CO)

The amount of blood pumped by each ventricle in liters per minute, defined by the formula CO = Stroke Volume (SV) × Heart Rate (HR).

Preload

The degree of stretch in the muscle fibers at the end of diastole, based on the volume of blood returning to the heart.

Afterload

The resistance the ventricles must overcome to eject blood, often influenced by systemic vascular resistance.

Contractility

The force and ability of the myocardium to shorten in response to an electrical impulse.

Hypotension

Abnormally low blood pressure, typically defined as less than 100/60 mm Hg.

Tachycardia

An elevated heart rate, often above 100 beats per minute.

Compensatory Mechanisms

Physiological processes initiated by the body to maintain homeostasis in response to decreased perfusion or blood pressure.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)

A hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance, activated by reduced renal perfusion.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

A hormone that prevents water loss and acts as a potent vasoconstrictor.

Natriuretic Peptides (e.g., BNP)

Hormones released during fluid overload to promote vasodilation and excretion of sodium and water.

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin due to insufficient oxygenation.

Oliguria

Poor urinary output, typically defined as less than 400 mL in 24 hours.

Myocardial Infarction (MI)

A medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, leading to tissue damage.

Aortic Dissection

A serious condition in which the inner layer of the aorta tears, causing blood to flow between the layers of the aorta wall.

Heart Failure (HF)

A complex syndrome characterized by the inability of the heart to pump blood effectively to meet the body's metabolic demands.

B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)

A biomarker released in response to ventricular expansion that indicates fluid overload.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

A chronic condition characterized by the narrowing of coronary arteries, often due to atherosclerosis leading to reduced blood flow to the heart.

Stable Angina

Predictable chest pain triggered by exertion and relieved by rest.

Unstable Angina

Unpredictable chest pain that occurs at rest and may signal an impending myocardial infarction.

Dysrhythmia

An abnormal heart rhythm that can lead to reduced cardiac output and potential hemodynamic instability.

Baroreceptors

Sensors located in the aortic arch and carotid arteries that detect changes in blood pressure.

Hemodynamic Monitoring

Continuous assessment of blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital signs to detect instability.

Fluid Overload

A condition where the body has excess fluid, leading to symptoms such as edema, elevated BNP, and potentially pulmonary congestion.

Sepsis

A life-threatening condition caused by the body's response to infection leading to systemic inflammation and potentially organ failure.

Hypovolemic Shock

A critical condition characterized by severe blood volume loss resulting in inadequate perfusion and oxygen delivery to organs.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

A sudden decline in kidney function with an increase in serum creatinine and/or a decrease in urine output.