Heart and Neck Vessels

These flashcards cover the key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the heart and neck vessels, as discussed in the lecture.

Precordium

Area on the anterior chest overlying the heart and great vessels.

Atria

Thin-walled reservoirs for holding blood in the heart.

Ventricles

Thick-walled, muscular pumping chambers of the heart.

Pericardium

Tough, fibrous, double-walled sac that surrounds and protects the heart.

Myocardium

Muscular wall of the heart.

Endocardium

Thin layer of endothelial tissue that lines the inner surface of heart chambers and valves.

Atrioventricular (AV) valves

Valves separating the atria and ventricles, including the tricuspid and bicuspid (mitral) valves.

Semilunar (SL) valves

Valves located between ventricles and arteries, including the aortic valve and pulmonic valve.

Systole

Phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts, pumping blood from the ventricles.

Diastole

Phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart relaxes, allowing the atria to fill with blood.

Heart Sounds

Sounds produced by the closure of heart valves, including S1 and S2.

Murmurs

Gentle, blowing, swooshing sounds heard due to turbulent blood flow.

Pulse deficit

Condition where the heart is contracting but the pulse is not reaching the periphery.

Automaticity

The ability of the heart to contract independently of external signals.

Preload

Volume of blood in the ventricles at the end of diastole.

Afterload

Resistance that the ventricles must overcome to circulate blood.

Carotid Artery

Major artery that carries oxygenated blood to the brain.

Jugular Vein

Vein that empties unoxygenated blood directly into the superior vena cava.

Age-related changes in the heart

Include increased blood pressure, thickening of arterial walls, and presence of dysrhythmias.

Cholesterol control

Dietary and treatment strategies aimed at managing serum cholesterol levels to reduce heart disease risk.

Clinical signs of heart failure

Include dyspnea, orthopnea, peripheral edema, and jugular vein distention.

Coronary Arteries

Arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle itself.

Cardiac Cycle

The sequence of events in one complete heartbeat, including systole and diastole.

Ejection Fraction

The percentage of blood that is pumped out of the ventricles with each heartbeat.

Angina Pectoris

Chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.

Heart Rate

The number of beats per minute at which the heart contracts.

Cardiac Output

The volume of blood the heart pumps per minute, calculated as stroke volume times heart rate.

Arrhythmias

Irregular heartbeats, which can lead to complications in heart function.

Atherosclerosis

Hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to plaque buildup.

Hypertension

High blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease.

Heart Failure

A condition in which the heart is unable to pump sufficiently to maintain blood flow.

S1 Heart Sound

The first heart sound, indicating closure of the atrioventricular valves at the start of systole.

S2 Heart Sound

The second heart sound, indicating closure of the semilunar valves at the end of systole.

Heart Murmurs

Abnormal sounds heard during heartbeat, often due to turbulent blood flow or valvular heart disease.

Tachycardia

Abnormally high heart rate, generally defined as exceeding 100 beats per minute.

Bradycardia

Abnormally low heart rate, generally defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute.

Atrial Fibrillation

A common type of arrhythmia characterized by rapid and irregular beating of the atria.

Ventricular Fibrillation

A life-threatening arrhythmia resulting in ineffective quivering of the ventricles, which can lead to cardiac arrest.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

A chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump effectively, leading to fluid buildup and insufficiency.

Myocardial Infarction

Commonly known as a heart attack, it occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle.

Endocarditis

An infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, often caused by bacteria.

Gas Exchange

The process by which oxygen is transferred into the blood and carbon dioxide is removed, primarily occurring in the alveoli of the lungs.

Pulse Oximetry

A non-invasive method used to measure the oxygen saturation level in the blood, typically using a sensor placed on a fingertip.

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test

A diagnostic test measuring the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and acidity (pH) in the blood, important for assessing respiratory function.

Chest X-ray

An imaging test that provides visual information about the lungs and heart, used to identify abnormalities such as infections or fluid buildup.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

An imaging procedure that combines multiple X-ray images to produce detailed cross-sectional views of the lungs for evaluating conditions such as pulmonary embolism.

Oxygen Delivery Systems

Methods and devices used to provide supplemental oxygen to patients, including nasal cannulas, oxygen masks, and ventilators.

Nasal Cannula

A common oxygen delivery device consisting of two small prongs that fit into the nostrils, allowing for comfortable, low-flow oxygen delivery.

Non-Rebreather Mask

An oxygen delivery system that allows for high concentrations of oxygen to be delivered to a patient, equipped with a reservoir bag and one-way valves.

Venturi Mask

An oxygen delivery device that provides precise oxygen concentrations using different sized adaptors, often used in patients requiring controlled oxygen therapy.

Incentive Spirometry

A device used to encourage deep breathing and lung expansion, often used post-surgery to prevent atelectasis and improve gas exchange.

Nursing Diagnosis

A clinical judgment about individual, family, or community responses to actual or potential health problems or life processes, providing a basis for selection of nursing interventions.

Implementation

The phase of the nursing process where nursing interventions are carried out to achieve the goals set in the nursing diagnosis.

Patient Education

The process of teaching patients about their health, treatments, medications, and how to manage their conditions effectively.

Monitoring Vital Signs

The assessment of a patient's heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature to gather information on their health status.

Medication Administration

The process of giving medications to patients as prescribed, ensuring correct dosages and routes to maximize therapeutic effects and minimize side effects.

Care Plan Evaluation

The process of assessing the effectiveness of the nursing care plan, determining if patient goals have been met and modifying the plan as necessary.

Collaborative Care

A multi-disciplinary approach to patient care involving various healthcare professionals working together to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

Documentation

The systematic recording of patient information, assessments, interventions, and outcomes in a patient's medical record to ensure continuity of care and accountability.

Patient Safety

Actions and protocols undertaken to minimize the risk of harm to patients during healthcare delivery, focusing on preventing errors and adverse events.

Discharge Planning

The process of preparing a patient for departure from the healthcare setting, encompassing education on a care plan and ensuring appropriate follow-up care.