NUR 425 – Cardiovascular Nursing Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering dosage calculations, ECG rhythms, pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnostics, interventions, and patient education from the NUR 425 cardiovascular lecture notes.

Heparin 5,000 units (10,000 units/mL)

Administer 0.5 mL subcutaneously.

Sinus Bradycardia in Athletes

Common resting rhythm for marathon runners; rate < 60 bpm.

Sinus Tachycardia

Heart rate > 100 bpm often seen in clients with hypertension or alcohol use.

Intermittent Claudication

Calf pain with activity that is relieved by rest; classic sign of PAD.

IV Rate 2.5 L over 20 hr

Set pump to 125 mL/hr.

Nitroglycerin – Major Adverse Effect

Hypotension requiring close monitoring.

Atrial Fibrillation Complications

Stroke, heart failure, PE; NOT anemia.

Primary Chest-Pain Assessment

First check vital signs and pain level.

Key Cardiac Diagnostics

Lipid panel, cardiac enzymes, chest X-ray, 12-lead ECG.

Carotid Artery Disease Risk

Type 2 diabetes is a significant contributor.

Prehypertension Priority

Teach lifestyle changes to prevent progression to HTN.

Questionable Order in Unstable Angina

Hold metoprolol if HR < 60 bpm.

Pericarditis Hallmark Sound

Pericardial friction rub on auscultation.

First Action for Bradycardic Dyspnea

Raise head of bed to improve ventilation.

High Risk for Left-Sided HF

Client with aortic stenosis.

Diet High in Saturated Fat

Modifiable risk factor for atherosclerosis.

Venous Insufficiency Teaching

Elevate legs 20 min, 4–5 times/day.

Unstable Angina Definition

Chest pain occurring at rest or with minimal exertion.

Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty

Balloon procedure to relieve CAD symptoms.

Cardiac Conduction Pathway

SA node → AV node → Bundle of His → R/L bundle branches → Purkinje fibers.

Major PE Assessment in DVT

Monitor respiratory status for sudden changes.

Telemetry Oxygen Protocol

Apply 2–4 L/min nasal cannula for symptomatic heart disease.

Afterload

Resistance the LV must overcome; increased afterload → ↑ workload.

CHF Fluid Monitoring

Strict intake and output to track volume status.

Smoking & Stroke Prevention

Smoking cessation is key for hypertensive clients.

Angina Unrelieved by Nitroglycerin

Draw troponin to rule out MI.

Atherosclerosis Risky Labs

Total cholesterol > 240, LDL > 160, HDL < 40, triglycerides > 150.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Danger Sign

Severe low back or abdominal pain.

Post-PCI Priorities

Distal neurovascular checks, VS q15 ×4, monitor bleeding, continuous ECG.

Absent Distal Pulse Post-Cath

Notify provider immediately; possible occlusion.

Symptomatic Bradycardia Treatment

Atropine 0.5 mg IV push.

Daily Weight Rule in HF

Report gain of ≥ 3 lb in 24 hr.

Pericarditis Pathophysiology

Inflammation of the pericardial sac surrounding the heart.

P Wave on ECG

Atrial depolarization.

Preload Effect on Cardiac Output

↑ Preload → ↑ stroke volume → ↑ cardiac output.

Pulseless Ventricular Rhythm

Start high-quality CPR and prepare to defibrillate.

Smoking & CAD Mechanism

Nicotine causes arterial constriction and endothelial damage.

Nitroglycerin Effectiveness

Chest pain is relieved within minutes.

Diuretic Timing in HF

Take early morning/afternoon to avoid nocturia.

Left-Sided HF Lung Sound

Bilateral crackles from pulmonary congestion.

Hypertensive Crisis Prevention

Never stop antihypertensives abruptly.

Inappropriate DVT Care

Do NOT massage the affected limb.

Non-PAD Finding

Lung crackles are unrelated to peripheral arterial disease.

DVT Prevention on Discharge

Encourage regular ambulation.

Post-PCI Red Flag

New-onset tachycardia may indicate bleeding.

BNP Test

Elevated levels confirm heart failure diagnosis.

Heart-Healthy Breakfast

Oatmeal provides soluble fiber and lowers LDL.

Major Cardiac Risk Factors

Diabetes, obesity, family history, sedentary lifestyle.

Accurate BP Re-check

Ensure relaxed posture; feet uncrossed; repeat on other arm.

ECG Rate Calculation (6-sec)

QRS × 10 = bpm (7 × 10 = 70 bpm).

Junctional Dysrhythmia Cause

Often precipitated by digoxin toxicity.

CABG Discharge Topics

Stress control, infection signs, smoking cessation, cardiac rehab.

Stroke-Prone Dysrhythmia

Atrial fibrillation requires anticoagulation.