Nsg5003.WK3.Notes

What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm disorder characterized by irregular and often rapid electrical signals in the atria which is the upper chambers of the heart.

What happens to the atria during atrial fibrillation?

During atrial fibrillation, the atria fibrillate or quiver instead of contracting in a coordinated manner. Which can disrupt normal blood flow.

What are some causes of atrial fibrillation?

Causes of atrial fibrillation can include age, high blood pressure, heart disease , thyroid problems , obesity, excessive alcohol or caffeine ,consumption, lung diseases, certain genetic factors. However, in some cases the exact cause may not be identified.

How is atrial fibrillation diagnosed?

Atrial fibrillation is diagnosed using an electrocardiogram (EKG) to detect irregular heart rhythm.

What treatment is commonly prescribed to prevent ischemic stroke in atrial fibrillation patients?

Anticoagulation is commonly prescribed to prevent ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.

What is hypertension?

Prolonged elevation in blood pressure.

What are some causes of primary hypertension?

Decreased vessel compliance with aging, higher prevalence in blacks, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and high levels of stress.

What factors contribute to the higher prevalence of hypertension in blacks?

Higher incidence of low birthweight infants, less nocturnal blood pressure decline, diet higher in sodium and lower in potassium, higher genetic, susceptibility.

What is a common cause of secondary hypertension?

Renal disease.

What are some other causes of secondary hypertension?

Adrenal gland disorders, sleep apnea syndrome, certain congenital heart defects, endocrine disorders.

What medications can cause secondary hypertension?

Birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, antihistamines, decongestants, glucocorticoid, steroids.

What organs are commonly targeted by hypertension?

Liver (hepatomegaly), Eyes (AV nicking), Lungs (basilar crackles).

What are the first signs of hypertension in a pregnant person?

Edema of the face and upper extremities.

What is the most common cause of left ventricular hypertrophy?

Pulmonary hypertension.

What is another name for a silent myocardial infarction?

Silent heart attack

What characterizes a silent myocardial infarction (silent heart attack)?

It occurs without noticeable symptoms or with very mild symptoms and easy overlooked unlike typical heart attack which is accompanied by chest pain or discomfort.

How does a silent myocardial infarction compare to a typical heart attack?

May not cause obvious signs or symptoms but It is just as serious and damaging to the heart as symptomatic heart attacks.

What causes a silent myocardial infarction?

A blockage in the coronary arteries which supplies blood to the heart muscles.

What are some risk factors for silent myocardial infarctions?

Age, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, family history of heart disease, obesity.

What happens to cardiac enzymes during a silent myocardial infarction?

They elevate because they leak from damaged muscle fibers into the bloodstream.

What atypical symptoms may patients over the age of 80 present with during a silent myocardial infarction?

Confusion

What is aortic stenosis?

Aortic stenosis is a heart condition characterized by the narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart.

What is the function of the right aortic valve?

The aortic valve regulates blood flow from the left ventricle, which is the heart's main pumping chamber, to the aorta, which is the body's largest artery.

What happens when the aortic valve becomes narrowed?

Narrowing of the aortic valve restricts blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body.

Where can you listen for a murmur associated with aortic stenosis?

You can listen for a murmur at the second intercostal space, you will hear a medium pitched harsh mid systolic murmur.

What type of murmur is associated with aortic stenosis?

A medium pitched harsh mid systolic murmur.

Where does the murmur associated with aortic stenosis radiate?

The murmur radiates to the neck.

In an EKG, the P wave represents

atrial depolarization (contraction)

JCN considers normal blood pressure for patients less than 60 years

to be less than 140/90

What is shock?

A life-threatening medical condition that occurs when there is an inadequate supply of blood and oxygen to the body's organs and tissues.

What are some causes of shock?

Severe bleeding, heart failure, infection, severe allergic reaction.

The clinical manifestations of shock can vary depending on the specific

Type and stage of shock.

What is a hallmark sign of shock?

Low blood pressure (hypotension) and rapid heart rate

What is a common compensatory response of the heart during shock?

Rapid heart rate.

The heart compensates for low blood pressure by

pumping faster to try to maintain adequate blood flow throughout the body

What are some common signs and symptoms of shock?

Pale, cool, and clammy skin; altered mental status; rapid and shallow breathing; weak pulse; decreased urinary output; dizziness; anxiety; restlessness; and a possible feeling of impending doom.

What is another name for unstable angina?

Acute coronary syndrome and is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs due to reduced blood flow to the heart

What occurs in unstable angina?

Reduced blood flow to the heart

Is unstable angina considered a medical emergency?

Yes and requires medication attention

What is a common symptom of unstable angina?

Chest pain or discomfort

Name two other symptoms of unstable angina.

Shortness of breath , sweating, nausea, and vomiting, fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness

What is the goal time for presentation to opening the artery in unstable angina?

90 minutes

Where is the most likely place for a thrombosis to form postoperatively?

The lower extremities

What is Kawasaki disease?

Kawasaki disease is a rare but serious condition that primarily affects children under the age of five.

What does Kawasaki disease involve?

Kawasaki disease involves inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body, including the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart.

What is a common symptom of Kawasaki disease related to fever?

A common symptom is prolonged high fever lasting more than five days.

What type of rash is associated with Kawasaki disease?

Kawasaki disease often includes a rash, typically on the trunk and genital area.

What eye condition is a symptom of Kawasaki disease?

Conjunctivitis is a symptom of Kawasaki disease.

What are the symptoms of Kawasaki disease related to the lips?

Symptoms include swollen, red, and cracked lips.

What is a 'strawberry tongue' in the context of Kawasaki disease?

A 'strawberry tongue' is a symptom characterized by a red and bumpy appearance.

What symptoms of Kawasaki disease are related to the hands and feet?

Symptoms include swollen hands and feet with a peeling skin rash.

What lymphatic symptom is associated with Kawasaki disease?

Swollen lymph nodes in the neck area are associated with Kawasaki disease.

Symptoms of Kawasaki disease

prolonged high fever lasting more than five days, a rash often on the trunk, and genital area, conjunctivitis, swollen red and cracked lips,a strawberry tongue which is red and bumpy, swollen hands and feet with a peeling skin rash and swollen lymph nodes in the neck area.