Oxygenation and Tissue Perfusion Review

Flashcards reviewing key concepts related to oxygenation and tissue perfusion, including cardiovascular and respiratory systems, risk factors, assessment techniques, and nursing interventions.

What is the function of the cardiovascular system in oxygenation?

It pumps and circulates blood throughout the body, carrying oxygen to tissues and removing carbon dioxide.

Describe the normal pathway of blood flow through the heart.

Superior Vena Cava → Right Atrium → Tricuspid Valve → Right Ventricle → Pulmonary Vasculature → Lungs → Left Atrium → Mitral Valve → Left Ventricle → Body

What are the 3 layers of the heart?

Epicardium (outer), Myocardium (middle, muscular), Endocardium (inner)

Describe the blood flow pathway in the body.

Arteries → Arterioles → Capillaries → Venules → Veins

What is the main difference between arteries and veins?

Arteries carry blood away from the heart, while veins carry blood back to the heart.

Where does cardiac stimulation begin?

Sinoatrial (SA) node

What is the normal firing rate of the SA node?

60-100 times per minute

What is the firing rate of the AV node, and what does a rate in this range indicate?

40-60 times per minute; may indicate a need for a pacemaker

How is cardiac output calculated?

Heart Rate (bpm) x Stroke Volume (liters/beat)

Define preload and afterload.

Preload: Work on the heart before contraction; Afterload: Work on the heart after contraction

Name the structures in the upper respiratory tract.

Nose, nasal cavity, sinuses, and pharynx

Name the structures in the lower respiratory tract.

Larynx, trachea, lungs

Define inspiration and expiration.

Inspiration: Inhaling; Expiration: Exhaling

What are the non-modifiable risk factors for CVD?

Heredity, family history, genetics, age, gender

What are the modifiable risk factors for CVD?

Elevated serum lipid level (high cholesterol), hypertension, cigarette smoking, diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle

Give examples of cardiovascular alterations that affect oxygenation.

Decreased blood flow, interrupted electrical impulses, electrolyte disturbances, cardiac failure

Give examples of respiratory alterations that affect oxygenation.

COPD, asthma, pneumonia, atelectasis, respiratory failure, COVID-19

How does inadequate blood flow manifest symptomatically?

Symptoms resembling fluid volume deficit: low blood pressure, high heart rate, thirst, poor skin turgor

Which electrolyte imbalances can disrupt heart function?

Potassium, magnesium, sodium, and calcium

List common symptoms of heart failure.

Shortness of breath (with exertion or lying supine), orthopnea, weight gain (2-3 lbs in 1 day or 5 lbs in a week), increased cough (possibly with pink-tinged sputum), new or increased swelling (ankles, feet, or abdomen)

Differentiate between hypoxemia and hypoxia.

Hypoxemia: Low levels of oxygen in the blood; Hypoxia: Insufficient oxygen anywhere in the body

List signs and symptoms of hypoxia.

Increased pulse, shallow respirations, dyspnea, increased restlessness, cyanosis, nasal flaring, retractions

What aspects of cardiopulmonary system alterations should be included in a health history assessment?

A history of alterations of the cardiopulmonary system.

List assessment techniques used for the cardiopulmonary system.

Inspection, palpation, and auscultation of heart and lungs; cough assessment; peripheral vascular assessment

What elements are assessed in a cough assessment?

Ability to cough, sound of cough, sputum production

What elements are assessed in the peripheral vascular assessment?

Pulses in the legs, arms, capillary refill, skin appearance, and temperature of extremities

List laboratory and diagnostic tests used to assess oxygenation.

Pulmonary function tests, CBC, BMP, Electrolytes, Creatine, BUN, ABGs, Lipids, Cardiac enzymes, Chest X-ray, ECG/EKG, Echocardiogram, Cardiac Catheterization

What does a complete blood count (CBC) indicate?

White blood count (WBC): indicates infection; Hemoglobin (Hgb) and Hematocrit (Hct)

What is the purpose of a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)?

Assess how the heart is pumping and what the body is getting rid of.

What values are assessed with arterial blood gases (ABGs)?

Blood oxygen levels, pH, arterial CO2, and bicarbonate levels

Which cardiac enzymes indicate cardiac muscle breakdown?

Troponin

What is assessed using an ECG/EKG?

The heart's electrical activity and rhythm

What is assessed using an echocardiogram?

Blood flow through the heart and measurement of the percentage of blood leaving the left ventricle with each contraction

Name indications for the treatment of anticoagulants.

Prevent blood clots in the atrium for cardiac arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation and prevent VTE like DVT and PE.

Name some nursing interventions to promote optimal cardiopulmonary function.

Positioning the patient sitting up (Orthopneic and Tripoding), Coughing, Deep breathing, Incentive spirometer

Give the flow range for a nasal cannula.

1-6 L per minute; humidify at 4 L

What is the flow range for a simple face mask?

5-8 L per minute; minimum of 5 L to prevent CO2 build-up

What is the use of a Venturi mask?

Delivers a specific oxygen concentration; good for patients who have COPD; Uses color-coded adapters to adjust the % of oxygen delivered

What is the function of a high-flow system (non-rebreather)?

Delivers high concentration of oxygen (90-100%) in patients with respiratory distress.

Dietary considerations for optimal cardiopulmonary function.

High-fiber and low-fat diet