Cardiac Health Assessment Quiz

Questions and Answers

What can cause height to wane in the fifth decade of life?

Thinning of intervertebral discs and increased spinal kyphosis (correct)

Increased flexibility of the spine

Increase in muscle mass

Intervertebral discs becoming thicker

What is the role of the skin in the body?

It serves as a physical barrier and helps in temperature maintenance. (correct)

It is mainly responsible for producing blood cells.

It is primarily a nutrient storage organ.

It only acts as a receptor for touch.

Which symptom suggests impaired organ function in relation to fluid balance?

Increased skin turgor

Stable weight and waist circumference

Pitting edema or dehydration (correct)

Regular intake of fluids

What materials primarily make up hair?

Keratinized cells Signup and view all the answers

When is fluid typically retained in the body?

During acute stress, illness, trauma, and surgery Signup and view all the answers

What are nails primarily composed of?

Epidermal cells Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of unusual changes in hair suggest?

Possible underlying health issues Signup and view all the answers

What role does the skin play in vitamin D synthesis?

It converts sunlight into vitamin D. Signup and view all the answers

What indicates a potential issue when the '99' sound is clearly heard during auscultation?

It suggests possible pneumonia. Signup and view all the answers

What is the abnormal breath sound characterized by the 'E' sounding like an 'A'?

Egophony Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary adventitious breath sound you would expect to hear during inspiration in a patient with asthma exacerbation?

Wheezing Signup and view all the answers

What factors could contribute to the exacerbation of a patient's asthma symptoms?

Weather, exercise, and illness Signup and view all the answers

Which respiratory pattern is characterized by deep and shallow breathing, with periods of apnea?

Biot's respirations Signup and view all the answers

How would you document labored and rapid breathing indicative of diabetic ketoacidosis?

Kussmaul breathing Signup and view all the answers

What type of breath sound is characterized by inflammation and bronchospasms?

Wheezing Signup and view all the answers

What are adventitious breath sounds typically associated with?

Pathological conditions in the lungs Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is Mrs. Lim experiencing that indicates potential fluid overload?

Inability to get shoes on due to swollen feet Signup and view all the answers

What lever of health information is relevant to Mrs. Lim's case regarding her lifestyle?

Diet and exercise habits Signup and view all the answers

What objective data should be gathered for Mrs. Lim's focused cardiac exam?

Fluid status and heart sounds Signup and view all the answers

Which extra heart sound might indicate heart failure when auscultated in Mrs. Lim's case?

S3 Signup and view all the answers

What would be an essential consideration when examining older adults like Mrs. Lim?

Caution when palpating head and neck vessels Signup and view all the answers

Which finding would indicate a potential issue with jugular venous pressure?

Jugular vein distention Signup and view all the answers

What feeling did Mrs. Lim experience that could suggest difficulty with her cardiovascular function?

Breathlessness while going upstairs Signup and view all the answers

What should be done prior to palpating the carotid arteries in a physical exam?

Auscultate for bruits Signup and view all the answers

What is a common concern when a patient reports one breast being larger than the other?

Breasts are often asymmetrical. Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom should prompt further assessment when a patient presents with swelling or lumps?

Changes occurring during the menstrual cycle. Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical feature extends into the axillary area in the breast?

Tail of Spence. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three types of breast tissue?

Glandular, fibrous, fatty. Signup and view all the answers

Which is a technique used during breast examination?

Comparison between both breasts. Signup and view all the answers

Which question would be most relevant to ask a patient reporting breast tenderness?

Does the tenderness occur during your menstrual cycle? Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of fibrous tissue in the breast?

To provide structural support. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT typically assessed during a breast health history?

Frequency of exercise. Signup and view all the answers

What finding indicates a diminished blood supply to Mr. Pars's left lower extremity?

Nonpalpable left pedal pulse Signup and view all the answers

Which abnormal finding is NOT associated with poor circulation in the lower extremities?

Hair growth on lower extremities Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of finding a left femoral artery bruit?

It suggests a possible arterial blockage. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to assess Mr. Pars's diabetes status in relation to his peripheral artery disease?

Uncontrolled diabetes increases cardiovascular risks, including PAD. Signup and view all the answers

What finding would suggest that Mr. Pars does not have deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

No signs of DVT or thrombophlebitis in bilateral lower extremities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common cause of erectile dysfunction related to vascular health?

Chronic diseases like hypertension Signup and view all the answers

What physical exam finding would be classified as abnormal in Mr. Pars's lower extremities?

Delayed capillary refill Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following findings would likely require a referral for further evaluation?

Cool and shiny skin with nonpalpable pulse Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lifestyle Considerations

Key elements include diet and exercise, fluid and sodium intake, preventative healthcare, and substance use (tobacco & alcohol).
Family history factors to assess include cardiac disease, obesity, diabetes, and varicose veins.

Mrs. Lim's History of Present Illness (HPI)

Reports significant foot swelling preventing her from wearing shoes; has resorted to slippers.
Experiences shortness of breath when lying flat; opts to sleep in a recliner.
Complains of fatigue and heavy legs, without chest pain.
Previous similar episode attributed to hot weather during vacation.

Focused Cardiac Exam Objectives

Gather vital signs (VS), fluid status, heart sounds, cardiac rhythm, and lung sounds.
Check for extra heart sounds (S3, S4), murmurs, and jugular venous pressure/distance.
Be cautious when palpating the head and neck in older adults to avoid vessel occlusion.

Inspection & Palpation of Head and Neck Vessels

Inspect and palpate carotids and jugular veins; auscultate for bruits before palpation.
Measure jugular venous pressure to assess fluid status.

Auscultation of Heart Sounds

Normal heart sounds include "lub" (S1) and "dub" (S2); extra sounds may indicate gallops (S3, S4).
Identify both normal sounds and any abnormalities during auscultation.

Mrs. Pars' Physical Exam Findings

Cool, thin, shiny skin on lower extremities; presence of dry, black wound on left big toe.
Decreased hair and nonpalpable left pedal pulse; bilateral varicose veins and left femoral artery bruit noted.
Exhibits dependent rubor and decreased sensation in lower extremities; positive Allen's Test.

Normal vs Abnormal Physical Findings

Normal: Warm skin, presence of hair, intact skin, 2+ pulses, and normal capillary refill.
Abnormal: Cool skin, absence of hair, skin breakdown, delayed capillary refill, and presence of bruits.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and Diabetes Assessment

Possible causes of ED include mental health issues, chronic diseases (Diabetes, Hypertension, High cholesterol), and penile structural defects.
Assessing diabetes is critical as diabetic neuropathy can lead to decreased sensation and increased PAD risk.

Nursing Process Priorities for Mr. Pars

Assess appetite, taste, and olfactory function; inquire about recent difficulties in chewing or swallowing.
Investigate any recent gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
Evaluate family history for chronic illnesses that may impact current health.

Nutritional Status Assessment

Evaluate client's general condition and appearance.
Measure height, weight, waist circumference, and assess BMI.
Monitor for signs of fluid imbalance and dehydration, especially in acute care settings.

Assessing Skin, Hair, and Nails

The skin serves as a barrier and regulates temperature and fluid balance; plays a crucial role in immunity and vitamin D synthesis.
Hair consists of keratinized cells; nails are hard plates that protect distal phalanges.

Documenting Respiratory Findings

Clear sounds during auscultation (e.g., "99" sound) could indicate potential pneumonia; assess presence of adventitious sounds like crackles or wheezes.
Identify and document abnormal sounds such as stridor or wheezing, noting contributing factors.

Breast Health Assessment

Common breast concerns include swelling, changes in shape, pain, and discharge.
Breast asymmetry is common; family history of breast cancer should be evaluated if concerns arise.
Breast tissue consists of glandular (milk production), fibrous (support), and fatty (size and shape) components; inspection requires comparing both breasts under various positions.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the essential elements of cardiac health assessment, including lifestyle considerations, history of present illness, and focused cardiac exam objectives. This quiz covers vital signs, fluid status, and examination techniques necessary for evaluating cardiac health.