Cardiac Physiology - Pacemaker Cells
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Questions and Answers

What initiates the electrical impulses in the heart's conduction system?

  • Stylus cells
  • Contractile (myocytes) cells
  • Vagal nerve fibers
  • Pacemaker cells (correct)
  • What is the resting potential of the cell membrane of pacemaker cells?

  • -40
  • 0
  • -60 (correct)
  • -90
  • Which channels open during the depolarization phase of pacemaker cells?

  • L-type calcium channels (correct)
  • Funny Na+ channels
  • T-type calcium channels
  • K+ channels
  • What occurs during the repolarization phase of pacemaker cells?

    <p>Ca²⁺ channels close (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does sympathetic stimulation have on heart action potentials?

    <p>It causes action potentials to occur faster. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of pacemaker cells compared to other cardiac myocytes?

    <p>They undergo spontaneous depolarization. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which phase does rapid depolarization occur in nodal cardiac myocytes?

    <p>Phase 0 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which channel is primarily responsible for the slow depolarization phase in pacemaker cells?

    <p>Funny Na+ channels (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary consequence of systemic hypoperfusion in hypoxic stroke?

    <p>Decreased oxygen and glucose availability (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which mechanism leads to cell swelling and death from sodium buildup?

    <p>Water Following Sodium Accumulation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which zone of hypoxic stroke is brain tissue most likely to die within a few minutes?

    <p>Ischemic core (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What typically causes intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)?

    <p>High blood pressure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which symptom is most associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)?

    <p>Severe headache (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential complication following subarachnoid hemorrhage related to vascular issues?

    <p>Hydrocephalus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What medication is given to prevent vasospasm after a hemorrhagic stroke?

    <p>Nimodipine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term is used to describe the area surrounding the ischemic core that may still have a chance for survival?

    <p>Ischemic penumbra (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the left coronary artery (LCA)?

    <p>To supply blood to the lateral and posterior walls of the left ventricle (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which segment of the heart is primarily affected by an occlusion in the Left Anterior Descending Artery (LAD)?

    <p>Anterior wall of the left ventricle (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What cardiac event can result from a blockage in the Left Coronary Artery (LCA)?

    <p>Lateral or posterior wall infarction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which EKG finding is associated with an occlusion of the Left Anterior Descending Artery (LAD)?

    <p>ST elevation in V1-V4 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a complication of an anterior wall infarction from LAD occlusion?

    <p>Pulmonary embolism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which leads can ST elevation indicate a lateral wall infarction due to an occluded Left Circumflex Artery (LCx)?

    <p>V5 and V6 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary indication of a regular cardiac rhythm?

    <p>A P wave for each QRS complex (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant arrhythmias may arise from complications associated with LAD occlusion?

    <p>Ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is observed during the isovolumetric contraction phase?

    <p>Pressure increases without a change in volume (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a notable complication linked to posterior infarctions from RCA occlusions?

    <p>Hypotension (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence of electrolyte disturbances on cardiac function?

    <p>Changes in action potential duration (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which phase does the aortic valve close, resulting in the S2 heart sound?

    <p>Ejection Phase (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where does the pressure-volume loop start in the cardiac cycle?

    <p>At the end diastolic volume (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is decreased in diastolic heart failure?

    <p>Stroke volume (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs during the relaxation/filling phase of the cardiac cycle?

    <p>Pressure decreases while volume increases (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the U wave represent in cardiac depolarization?

    <p>Repolarization of Purkinje fibers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is true regarding left ventricular hypertrophy on an EKG?

    <p>The amplitude is greater due to increased muscle mass. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What causes abnormal automaticity in the heart?

    <p>Firing of action potentials faster than the SA node (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the cardiac cycle, what characterizes the ejection phase?

    <p>Blood is expelled into the aorta or pulmonary artery (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition can lead to sinus bradycardia?

    <p>Increased vagal tone (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes an effect of tachy-induced cardiomyopathy?

    <p>It is reversible with rate control. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of abnormal reentry in cardiac dysrhythmias?

    <p>The signal circulates around scar tissue, causing repetitive contractions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which substance can potentially compound the effects of sinus bradycardia?

    <p>Digoxin (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, which mechanism primarily contributes to dysrhythmias?

    <p>Accessary pathways causing increased HR (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of the dominant hemisphere in most right-handed individuals?

    <p>Control over language and analytical processing (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hemisphere is more likely to be dominant in left-handed individuals?

    <p>Right-hemisphere dominance is generally observed (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What scenario is likely to lead to a watershed infarct in the brain?

    <p>Global blood loss due to cardiac arrest (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where is the ACA-MCA watershed zone located?

    <p>At the junction between the anterior and middle cerebral arteries (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are watershed areas particularly vulnerable to ischemia?

    <p>They are located at the vascular territories' borders and have lower blood flow (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following symptoms is NOT commonly associated with heart failure?

    <p>Fever (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary treatment for managing fluid balance in heart failure?

    <p>Diuretics (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition is characterized by a left ventricle mass-to-cavity ratio greater than 2:1?

    <p>Concentric hypertrophy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which class of medications is contraindicated during the acute phase of heart failure?

    <p>Beta-blockers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In heart failure treatment, which medication is often utilized to antagonize the effects of aldosterone?

    <p>Aldosterone antagonists (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following does NOT typically indicate positive inotropic effects?

    <p>Decreased heart rate (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which symptom reflects difficulty breathing while lying flat, often seen in heart failure?

    <p>Orthopnea (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason Ca channel blockers are contraindicated as inotropes?

    <p>They decrease myocardial contractility (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What causes diastolic heart failure?

    <p>A stiff ventricle that cannot stretch (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which management strategy is appropriate for systolic heart failure?

    <p>Afterload reduction (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is true regarding ejection fraction in heart failures?

    <p>Systolic heart failure usually has an ejection fraction less than 40% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key difference between systolic and diastolic heart failure?

    <p>Diastolic heart failure has a preserved ejection fraction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following conditions is commonly seen in both systolic and diastolic heart failure?

    <p>Hypotension in extreme cases (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which is a characteristic finding in diastolic heart failure?

    <p>Preserved ejection fraction (A), Reduced preload (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does afterload reduction have on systolic heart failure patients?

    <p>It decreases systemic vascular resistance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the corpus callosum?

    <p>Connects the right and left hemispheres of the brain (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of stroke primarily affects the visual cortex?

    <p>Posterior Cerebral Artery (PCA) Stroke (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What clinical manifestation is commonly associated with increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?

    <p>Hypertension (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common outcome following damage to motor pathways due to a stroke?

    <p>Immediate flaccid paralysis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the acceptable range of normal intracranial pressure (ICP)?

    <p>7-15 mmHg (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary treatment for ischemic stroke when administered within the time window?

    <p>Thrombolysis with rTPA (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which symptom is most likely associated with a stroke affecting the dominant hemisphere?

    <p>Difficulty in language (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) measure?

    <p>Net pressure driving blood flow to the brain (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition is primarily associated with an increase in unconjugated bilirubin leading to jaundice?

    <p>Decreased albumin levels (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What causes varices to develop in the esophagus or stomach?

    <p>Portal hypertension (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which function does bile NOT perform?

    <p>Regulation of blood sugar (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does cholecystokinin (CCK) play in digestion?

    <p>Stimulates gallbladder contraction (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which process is defined by a reduction or stoppage in bile flow?

    <p>Cholestasis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of Factor VIIa in the coagulation process?

    <p>It activates Factor X. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factors require Vitamin K for their activity?

    <p>Factors II, VII, IX, and X. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the product of the conversion of Prothrombin (Factor II) in the common pathway?

    <p>Thrombin. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of Protein C in coagulation?

    <p>It inactivates Factors Va and VIIIa. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the role of the liver in hemostasis?

    <p>It synthesizes most coagulation factors and anticoagulants. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is necessary for activated Factor Xa to function effectively?

    <p>Vitamin K, Calcium, and Factor V. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does Vitamin K deficiency have on clotting?

    <p>It impairs the synthesis of several clotting factors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the final step of the coagulation cascade?

    <p>Conversion of Fibrinogen to Fibrin. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common sign associated with a stroke in the anterior cerebral artery (ACA)?

    <p>Leg weakness (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which symptom is indicative of a posterior cerebral artery (PCA) stroke?

    <p>Homonymous hemianopia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Involvement of which area is likely to cause urinary incontinence following an anterior cerebral artery stroke?

    <p>Frontal lobe (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of deficits are typically not prominent in patients experiencing a PCA stroke?

    <p>Motor deficits (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition can result from a large stroke affecting the prefrontal cortex?

    <p>Akinetic mutism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What symptom is commonly associated with strokes in the vertebrobasilar system?

    <p>Dizziness (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a typical presenting complication of a middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion?

    <p>Aphasia (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which signs and symptoms would suggest thalamic involvement during a PCA stroke?

    <p>Memory impairment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Pacemaker Cells

    Specialized heart muscle cells that initiate and regulate heartbeat rhythm.

    Action Potential (Heart)

    Electrical signals that travel through the heart, triggering muscle contractions.

    Depolarization (Heart)

    Inside of the cell becomes positive, causing heart muscle contraction.

    Repolarization (Heart)

    Inside of the cell becomes negative again, the heart muscle relaxes.

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    Autorhythmic

    Capable of spontaneously generating action potentials without external stimuli.

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    Myocytes

    Contractile muscle cells in the heart.

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    Myocardium

    The heart muscle, made up of myocytes.

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    Funny Na+ Channels

    Channels in pacemaker cells that allow sodium to leak into the cell, contributing to its spontaneous depolarization.

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    Left Anterior Descending Artery (LAD) function

    Supplies blood to the anterior wall of the left ventricle, the interventricular septum, and part of the left ventricle's lateral wall.

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    LAD occlusion symptoms

    Causes anterior wall infarction, potentially leading to heart failure, cardiogenic shock, pulmonary edema, and ventricular septal defect.

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    LAD EKG findings

    Characterized by ST elevation in leads V1-V4 and ST depression in reciprocal leads (II, III, aVF).

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    Left Circumflex Artery (LCx) function

    Supplies the lateral and posterior walls of the left ventricle.

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    LCx occlusion symptoms

    Causes lateral or posterior wall infarctions, potentially resulting in heart dysfunction if severe.

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    LCx EKG findings

    Characterized by ST elevation in leads V5, V6 (low lateral) or I, aVL (high lateral).

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    Coronary Circulation origin

    Originates from the aorta and is divided into the left and right coronary arteries.

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    Coronary Perfusion time

    Occurs during diastole (when the heart relaxes).

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    Isoelectric Line

    The baseline on an ECG, representing no electrical activity.

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    Regular Rhythm Criteria

    P-wave, QRS for every P-wave, regular R-R interval, HR 60-100 bpm, indicate a normal heartbeat pattern.

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    Isovolumetric Contraction

    Ventricular contraction increases pressure without changing volume; all valves are closed.

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    Ejection Phase

    Blood is pushed out of the ventricles into the arteries; volume decreases, pressure increases until valve closure.

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    Isovolumetric Relaxation

    Ventricles relax, pressure drops while volume stays the same; all valves are closed.

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    Relaxation/Filling Phase

    Blood flows into ventricles from the atria, increasing volume at low pressure until filled.

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    U-wave

    Sometimes seen, likely related to Purkinje fiber repolarization/late ventricular repolarization, not well-understood.

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    Pressure-Volume Loop

    Graphical representation of ventricular pressure and volume throughout a cardiac cycle (one heart beat)

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    Diastolic Heart Failure

    A type of heart failure where the heart's ventricles have difficulty relaxing and filling with blood, leading to reduced cardiac output.

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    Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

    Thickening of the left ventricle of the heart, usually due to increased workload.

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    Cardiomyopathy

    Disease of the heart muscle, can be ischemic (due to blocked blood flow) or non-ischemic (from other causes).

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    Abnormal Automaticity

    A heart region generating action potentials faster than the sinus node (SA node).

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    Abnormal Reentry

    Electrical signals circling through the heart, often due to scar tissue, causing extra heartbeats.

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    Sinus Bradycardia

    A slow heart rate originating from the SA node, typically less than 60 bpm.

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    Sinus Tachycardia

    A fast heart rate originating from the SA node (usually over 100 bpm).

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    Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

    A condition with an extra electrical pathway between the atria and ventricles

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    Hypoxic stroke

    A stroke caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain due to low blood flow (systemic hypoperfusion).

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    Ischemic core

    The area of brain tissue that dies from lack of oxygen within minutes of a stroke.

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    Ischemic penumbra

    The area surrounding the ischemic core that might survive if blood flow is restored quickly.

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    Sodium buildup

    A mechanism of cell death in a stroke where sodium influx leads to water swelling the cell and impairing its function

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    Calcium buildup

    Calcium buildup leads to the production of harmful molecules that damage brain cells during a stroke

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    Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)

    Bleeding in the brain tissue that causes stroke, typically triggered by high blood pressure.

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    Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)

    Bleeding between the meninges in the spaces surrounding the brain, often caused by ruptured aneurysms.

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    Vasospasm

    Contraction of blood vessels after a subarachnoid hemorrhage, reducing blood flow to the brain.

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    Dominant Hemisphere

    The hemisphere of the brain that controls language, speech, analytical thinking, and higher-order functions like math. For most right-handed individuals, this is the left hemisphere.

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    Non-Dominant Hemisphere

    The hemisphere of the brain associated with visual-spatial reasoning, creativity, and artistic abilities. For most right-handed individuals, this is the right hemisphere.

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    Watershed Infarct

    A type of brain injury that occurs when blood flow is significantly reduced in areas where major arteries meet, making those areas vulnerable to damage.

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    ACA-MCA Watershed Zone

    A vulnerable region in the brain located between the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) and the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Reduction in blood flow in either artery can lead to damage in this zone.

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    MCA-PCA Watershed Zone

    A vulnerable region in the brain located between the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and the posterior cerebral artery (PCA). This area is at risk of damage if blood flow is reduced in either artery.

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    Heart Failure: Ejection Fraction (EF)

    The percentage of blood pumped out of the heart with each beat. A low EF indicates more blood stays in the heart.

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    Systolic HF Treatment

    Focus on reducing afterload to make it easier for the weakened heart to pump blood.

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    Diastolic HF Treatment

    Aim to increase preload, helping the stiff ventricle fill more effectively with blood.

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    Left Heart Failure

    The left ventricle is dysfunctional, impacting blood flow to the body causing systemic symptoms.

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    Right Heart Failure

    The right ventricle is dysfunctional, impacting blood flow to the lungs causing pulmonary symptoms.

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    Volume Overload

    Excess fluid in the heart chambers, often associated with right heart failure and can be assessed by echocardiography.

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    Jugular Venous Distension

    A visible bulging of the jugular veins in the neck, often indicating increased pressure in the heart or major veins.

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    Orthopnea

    Difficulty breathing when lying down, which improves when sitting or standing up.

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    Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea

    Sudden shortness of breath that wakes you up at night.

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    S3 Heart Sound

    A soft, low-pitched heart sound that is often heard during diastole (the relaxation phase of the heart). It can be a sign of heart failure.

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    S4 Heart Sound

    A high-pitched heart sound that is heard just before the S1 (the first heart sound). It can be a sign of stiffening of the heart muscle.

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    Hepatosplenomegaly

    Enlargement of the liver and spleen, which can be a sign of heart failure.

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    Edema

    Swelling caused by fluid retention in the tissues. It is a common symptom of heart failure.

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    Cardiac Cirrhosis

    A type of cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) caused by long-standing heart failure.

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    Corpus Callosum

    A thick band of nerve fibers connecting the left and right hemispheres of the brain, enabling communication between them.

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    Stroke

    A sudden loss of brain function due to a disruption of blood supply, leading to damage in a specific area of the brain.

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    Focal Neurological Deficit

    The specific neurological symptoms and signs that result from brain damage in a particular area due to stroke.

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    Anterior Cerebral Artery (ACA) Stroke

    Stroke affecting the anterior cerebral artery, typically causing weakness and sensory loss in the legs and feet.

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    Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) Stroke

    Stroke affecting the middle cerebral artery, commonly causing weakness and sensory loss in face, arm, and hand, as well as language problems in the dominant hemisphere.

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    Posterior Cerebral Artery (PCA) Stroke

    Stroke affecting the posterior cerebral artery, leading to visual disturbances, including blindness in the affected eye.

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    Contralateral

    Relating to the opposite side of the body, meaning if a stroke occurs on the left side of the brain, the right side of the body will be impacted.

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    NIHSS

    National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, a tool used to assess the severity of a stroke.

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    Hemiplegia

    Paralysis of one side of the body, typically occurring after a stroke affecting the opposite hemisphere of the brain.

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    Homonymous Hemianopia

    Loss of vision in the same half of the visual field in both eyes, often caused by a stroke affecting the visual cortex in one hemisphere.

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    ACA Stroke Symptoms

    Strokes in the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) typically cause weakness and sensory loss in the lower limbs and trunk, sometimes accompanied by urinary incontinence and akinetic mutism.

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    PCA Stroke Symptoms

    Strokes in the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) often present with visual deficits, particularly homonymous hemianopia, while motor and sensory impairments are less common but can occur if the thalamus is involved.

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    MCA Stroke Symptoms

    Strokes in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) are common and typically cause contralateral weakness, sensory loss, and possible aphasia depending on the affected area.

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    Aphasia

    Impairment of language function, affecting speaking, understanding, reading, or writing, commonly caused by a stroke affecting language centers in the brain.

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    Basilar/Vertebral Artery Stroke

    Strokes involving the basilar or vertebral arteries can affect the brainstem, cerebellum, and occipital lobes, resulting in symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, ataxia, double vision, dysarthria, dysphagia, or even locked-in syndrome.

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    Factor VIIa

    Activated form of Factor VII, crucial for initiating the extrinsic coagulation pathway. It triggers the activation of Factor X.

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    Common Pathway

    The final stage of the coagulation cascade where the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways converge, leading to the formation of a stable fibrin clot.

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    Prothrombin

    A precursor protein (Factor II) that is converted into thrombin by Factor Xa. Thrombin is essential for fibrinogen activation.

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    Fibrinogen

    A soluble protein (Factor I) in the blood that is converted by thrombin into fibrin, the building block of blood clots.

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    Vitamin K's Role

    Important for the synthesis of several clotting factors (II, VII, IX, and X) by the liver. It carboxylates these factors, increasing their binding to calcium and collagen.

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    Liver's Role in Clotting

    Produces most of the clotting factors (I, II, V, VII, IX, X, XI, and XII), anticoagulants (Protein C, Protein S, and Antithrombin), and processes Vitamin K.

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    PT Test

    Measures the time it takes for blood to clot, specifically testing the extrinsic and common pathways (Factors I, II, V, VII, and X).

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    Liver Dysfunction and Clotting

    Liver disease can interfere with the production of clotting factors, anticoagulants, and Vitamin K metabolism, leading to prolonged clotting times and bleeding issues.

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    Unconjugated Bilirubin Increase

    Elevated unconjugated bilirubin levels in the blood, often associated with liver dysfunction or blockage of bile flow. This leads to jaundice, a yellowish discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes.

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    Decreased Albumin

    Reduced levels of albumin, a protein produced by the liver, can be a sign of liver disease. Albumin helps maintain blood volume and pressure, and its decrease can lead to swelling (edema).

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    Varices

    Enlarged veins in the esophagus or stomach, often caused by portal hypertension. This occurs when blood flow from the intestines to the liver is blocked, leading to a backup of blood in the veins.

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    Sphincter of Oddi

    A small muscle that controls the flow of bile from the common bile duct into the duodenum. It acts like a gatekeeper, regulating when bile is released into the small intestine.

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    Cholecystokinin (CCK)

    A hormone produced in the duodenum that stimulates gallbladder contraction. This increases the flow of bile into the duodenum to aid in the digestion of fats.

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    Study Notes

    Cardiac System

    • The heart is a muscular pump made of three layers: the endocardium, myocardium, and epicardium
    • The pericardium surrounds the epicardium
    • The heart muscle contracts in a coordinated fashion via electrical impulses, synchronized by the sinoatrial (SA) node, known as the pacemaker
    • Blood flow through the heart follows a specific pathway: deoxygenated blood flows into the right atrium, through the tricuspid valve, to the right ventricle, and then through the pulmonary valve into the pulmonary arteries to the lungs
    • Oxygenated blood returns to the left atrium through pulmonary veins, through the mitral valve to the left ventricle, and then through the aortic valve to the aorta, distributing oxygenated blood throughout the body
    • Pulmonary circulation: blood flow from the right side of the heart to the lungs for gas exchange, then back to the left side of the heart
    • Systemic circulation: blood flow from the left side of the heart to the body for nutrient and oxygen delivery, then back to the right side of the heart.

    Coronary Circulation

    • Coronary arteries branch off the aorta and supply blood to the heart muscle.
    • The left coronary artery (LCA) divides into the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and the circumflex artery (LCX)
    • The right coronary artery (RCA) branches into the right marginal artery and the posterior descending artery (PDA)
    • Coronary arteries supply the heart muscle with oxygen and nutrients. Obstruction of a coronary artery can result in myocardial infarction (heart attack).

    Atherosclerosis and Plaque Formation

    • Over time, cholesterol, fats and other substances build up in the walls of the coronary arteries, forming plaques
    • Plaques can narrow the arteries and reduce blood flow
    • Plaque rupture or erosion can trigger thrombus formation which further obstructs blood flow, leading to myocardial infarction (heart attack)

    Myocardial Infarction (MI)

    • Myocardial infarction (MI) occurs when there is a complete obstruction of blood flow to a portion of the heart muscle, causing the death of heart muscle.
    • Symptoms: chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea.
    • Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention are crucial to reduce complications and death.
    • EKG changes, elevated cardiac enzymes (troponins) help with diagnosis.

    Heart Failure

    • Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. This can involve either systolic (reduced pumping) or diastolic (reduced filling) dysfunction; it can also affect the left or right side of the heart, or both.
    • Symptoms: shortness of breath, fatigue, swollen ankles, fluid buildup.
    • Treatment varies depending on the type and severity.

    Congestive Heart Failure

    • Congestive heart failure is a serious condition where the heart cannot pump blood efficiently, leading to fluid build-up in the lungs and other tissues.
    • It may include systolic or diastolic dysfunction depending on the type of heart failure.
    • Common symptoms: shortness of breath, fatigue, edema, swelling.

    Cardiac Dysrhythmias

    • Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats.
    • They can cause a variety of symptoms, and potentially life-threatening complications

    Electrolyte Imbalance and EKG/Cardiac Function

    • Electrolytes play a crucial role in cardiac function. Imbalances can lead to various EKG/cardiac issues
    • Factors such as hypo/hyperkalemia, hypo/hypercalcemia, hypo/hypermagnesemia influence the function and action potentials of the heart
    • There are characteristic changes on EKG caused by any of these factors.

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    NUR 201 Final Study Guide PDF

    Description

    Test your knowledge on the electrical conduction system of the heart, with a focus on pacemaker cells. This quiz covers topics such as depolarization, repolarization, and the effects of sympathetic stimulation. Dive into the intricacies of heart action potentials and their physiological implications.

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