RNSG 2432: Enhanced Concepts of Adult Health - Cardiovascular Problems

Required Readings:

  • Ignatavicius, et al. (10th ed.):
    • Chapter 30: Assessment of the Cardiovascular System
    • Chapter 31: Concepts of Care for Patients With Dysrhythmias
    • Chapter 32: Concepts of Care for Patients With Cardiac Problems
    • Chapter 34: Critical Care of Patients With Shock
    • Chapter 35: Critical Care of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes
  • Burcham, et al. (10th ed.):
    • Chapter 48: Drugs for Heart Failure
    • Chapter 49: Antidysrhythmic Drugs
    • Chapter 50: Prophylaxis of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
    • Chapter 51: Drugs for Angina Pectoris
    • Chapter 52: Anticoagulant, Antiplatelet, and Thrombolytic Drugs
  • Silvestri (7th ed.):
    • Chapter 56: Cardiovascular Disorders of the Adult Client
    • Chapter 57: Cardiovascular Medications
  • Additional resources may be available on Elsevier website and course D2L site.

Important Review Topics:

  • Clinical judgment
  • Nursing process
  • Provision of a safe environment
  • Laboratory values
  • Vital signs/physical assessment
  • Pain
  • Safety
  • Culture
  • Health promotion
  • Nutrition
  • Therapeutic communication
  • Collaboration
  • Fluid & electrolytes / acid base
  • Medication administration
  • Patient education
  • Legal / ethical considerations
  • Delegation
  • Anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system

Module Objectives:

  • Provide safe, quality professional nursing care to clients with cardiovascular problems according to legal and ethical standards.
  • Perform a focused assessment on a client with a cardiovascular disorder. (Noticing)
  • Notice / Interpret laboratory and diagnostic test results for clients with cardiovascular disorders.
  • Implement teaching plans for clients scheduled for diagnostic testing for cardiovascular disorders. (Responding)
  • Implement measures to prevent exposure to infectious pathogens and communicable conditions for client’s with cardiovascular problems. (Responding)
  • Utilize a systematic approach to provide individualized, goal-directed nursing care for clients experiencing cardiovascular problems including: dysrhythmias, heart failure, valvular heart disease, infective endocarditis, pericarditis, rheumatic carditis, cardiomyopathy, shock, and coronary artery disease.
  • Institute appropriate nursing interventions that might be required to stabilize a client's condition and/or prevent complications for clients experiencing cardiovascular problems. (Responding)
  • Evaluate the cardiovascular client's responses to implemented nursing interventions. (Reflection)
  • Implement safety priorities / precautions for client’s with cardiovascular problems. (Responding)
  • Create teaching plans for client’s with cardiovascular problems including a health promotion focus.
  • Correctly administer medications prescribed for client’s with cardiovascular disorders according to standards.

Medication-Related Objectives:

  • Identify information related to identified drugs for the module to include:
    • Classification
    • General Uses
    • Drug Action
    • Adverse Effects
    • Contraindications
    • Precautions
    • Interactions: drug – drug, drug – food
    • Nursing Considerations
  • Explain the nursing responsibilities related to the identified drugs for this module to include:
    • Assessment
    • Nursing Diagnoses
    • Teaching (Patient & Family)
    • Reflection / Evaluation (Expected Outcomes)
  • Describe the role of the professional nurse related to drug administration regarding:
    • Safety and the prevention of medication errors
    • Transcultural issues and beliefs
    • Delegation of responsibilities regarding medication administration
    • Legal and ethical issues

Drug List:

  • ( * indicates Top 200 Drugs)
  • Chapter 48: Drugs for Heart Failure
    • Loop Diuretics: *furosemide
    • Thiazides: *hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
    • Potassium Sparing: *spironolactone, *triamterene
    • Combinations: *triamterene + HCTZ
    • ACE Inhibitors: *benazepril, *enalapril, *lisinopril, *quinapril, *ramipril
    • Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers: *irbesartan, *losartan, *valsartan
    • Combinations: *lisinopril + HCTZ, *losartan + HCTZ
  • Chapter 49: Antidysrhythmic Drugs
    • Sodium Channel Blockers: procainamide, lidocaine, phenytoin
    • Beta Blockers: *propranolol
    • Potassium Channel Blockers: *amiodarone
    • Calcium Channel Blockers: *verapamil, diltiazem
    • Other Antidysrhythmic Drugs: *digoxin, adenosine
  • Chapter 50: Prophylaxis of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
    • HMG-Co A Reductase Inhibitors: *atorvastatin, *pravastatin, *rosuvastatin, *simvastatin
    • Plasma Cholesterol Reductors: *ezetimibe
    • Fibric Acid Derivatives: *gemfibrozil
  • Chapter 51: Drugs for Angina Pectoris
    • Organic Nitrates: *nitroglycerine, *isosorbide
    • Beta Blockers: *metoprolol, *propranolol
    • Calcium Channel Blockers: *nifedipine, *verapamil
  • Chapter 52: Anticoagulant, Antiplatelet, and Thrombolytic Drugs
    • Anticoagulants
      • Vitamin K Antagonists: warfarin
      • Heparin Derivatives: heparin, *enoxaparin
      • Direct Factor Xa Inhibitors: *rivaroxaban
      • Direct Thrombin Inhibitors: *dabigatran
    • Antiplatelet: aspirin
  • Other medications may be discussed, including pain medications and antibiotics. These were discussed in previous nursing classes.