723 Red Flags of C&P

red flags relevant to the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems

• Unexplained BLE edema

• Increase in SOB

• Not able to lay flat for going to sleep

• Abnormal vitals

• Palpitations in chest

• Chest pain or upper body pain that increases with activity (Jaw, shoulder, upper back, neck)

• Chest discomfort/tightness

• Cold extremities

• Cyanosis

• Skin redness, swelling, hot to the touch and pain (all 4 together)

• Excessive sweating/cold sweats

• Blood with coughing

• Leg pain at rest

• Change in sputum color

emergent cardiovascular conditions

• Congestive heart failure (CHF)

• Myocardial infarction (MI)

• Hypertension (HTN)

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

• Cerebrovascular accident (CVA)

• Diabetes

• Cardiac Arrythmias

emergent pulmonary conditions

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• Pneumonia

• Pulmonary embolism (PE)

• Anaphylaxis

• Asthma

emergent blood pressure

>180/120mmHg

<90/60mmHg

emergent pulse rate

greater than 120 or lower than 50

emergent respiratory rate

greater than 30

lower than 8

emergent SpO2

>88%

CVP system emergency conditions

• Cardiac Arrest: unconscious with no pulse or respirations

• Acute Myocardial infarction (MI): significant chest/shoulder pain with SOB

• Hypertensive crisis: BP >220/110mmHg (may not show symptoms)

• Stoke: BEFAST symptoms

CVP System Emergency Situations

• Loss of consciousness or difficulty to arouse

• Extreme confusion not the same as their previous status

• Progressively worsening SOB

• BP <90/60mmHg

• SpO2 <88%

• Cyanosis of lips or nail beds

CVP System Urgent Conditions

• Congestive heart failure exacerbation: characterized by increased SOB and BLE edema

• Pneumonia/COVID

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): increased SOB in a patient who already has this diagnosis

• Swelling, redness, hot to touch, and pain (DVT): likely in calf or upper arm but can be in any deep vein

CVP System Urgent Situations

• New onset abnormal vitals that are not extreme enough to be listed as an emergency

• Irregular pulse when assessing PR & patient does not have current heart arrhythmia diagnosis

• Increase in edema in any or all extremities

what to do in an emergency condition

call 911 or follow facilities policy/protocol

what to do in an urgent condition

Urgent care or emergency department, refer to a specialist (cardiologist, pulmonologist), return to PCP