Cardiovascular Patient Care

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What is a crucial step in the initial cardiovascular primary assessment?

Administering oxygen therapy

Determining the patient's level of responsiveness (correct)

Taking a detailed medical history

Performing a comprehensive physical exam

What is the primary purpose of using the SAMPLE format in the secondary assessment?

To evaluate the patient's past medical history

To obtain a detailed medical history (correct)

To assess the patient's vital signs

To identify the patient's chief complaint

Which of the following is a key component of managing cardiac patients?

Providing education on cardiovascular disease prevention

Providing patient advocacy and emotional support (correct)

Administering medication to reduce anxiety

Performing a 12-lead ECG

What is the primary reason for checking the patient's pulses during the initial cardiovascular primary assessment?

To assess the patient's perfusion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is commonly associated with cardiac disease?

Chest pain or discomfort Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the OPQRST mnemonic in the secondary assessment?

To assess the patient's symptoms and pain Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when evaluating a patient's chest pain?

The patient's symptoms and medical history Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the initial cardiovascular primary assessment?

To identify life-threatening conditions and set transport priorities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an essential component of providing optimum care to cardiac patients?

Effectively communicating with the receiving staff Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of checking for moist crackles (rales) during the initial cardiovascular primary assessment?

It suggests the presence of cardiovascular disease Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of auscultating the carotid arteries?

To identify signs of turbulent blood flow Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the point of maximum impulse (PMI) during the cardiac examination?

It is the location where the heartbeat can be best heard Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common cause of partial blockage of a vessel, as indicated by a bruit?

Atherosclerosis Signup and view all the answers

During palpation of the thorax, what is the indication of crepitus or a 'bubble wrap' crackling sensation?

Subcutaneous emphysema Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of palpating the epigastrium during the physical examination?

To detect pulsations and distention indicating an abdominal aortic aneurysm Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of employing the standard techniques of inspection, auscultation, palpation, and percussion during the physical examination of the chest?

To provide information about chronic problems as well as the ongoing acute episode Signup and view all the answers

During the initial patient contact, what is the primary focus?

Identifying the most critical life-threatening problems Signup and view all the answers

What may be involved in cardiovascular diseases?

All of the above, including other systems such as diabetes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the history and physical examination in prehospital care?

To form a field diagnosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of electrical conductive illnesses?

Abnormal heart rate Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method of diagnosing pericardial emergencies?

Physical examination findings Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of prehospital care for cardiac arrest patients?

To manage airway, breathing, circulatory problems, and shock Signup and view all the answers

Why is it dangerous to borrow a friend's medication?

Because it can be the wrong dosage or the wrong medication Signup and view all the answers

What is important to ask about a patient's use of medications?

All medications, including prescription and over-the-counter Signup and view all the answers

What is a major problem that can lead to MI and severe hypertension?

Cocaine use Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to ask about a patient's past medical history?

To determine if the symptoms are attributable to a cardiac condition Signup and view all the answers

What is a risk factor for cardiac disease that can be modified?

Smoking Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to ask about a patient's recent oral intake?

To determine if the patient's symptoms are related to a meal high in saturated fats Signup and view all the answers

What is an important aspect of the physical exam for a cardiac patient?

Looking, listening, and feeling Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible indication of a pneumothorax during the inspection?

Tracheal position is shifted to one side Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to ask about a patient's family history of cardiac disease?

To determine the patient's risk of heart disease Signup and view all the answers

What is an important aspect of asking about a patient's symptoms?

Comparing the patient's current symptoms to their past symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of fatigue in patients with cardiovascular disease?

Poor oxygenation Signup and view all the answers

Which type of edema is typically seen in ambulatory patients?

Extremities edema Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential cause of severe headaches in patients with established heart disease?

Excess administration of nitrates Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible indication of cardiovascular disease in elderly patients?

Behavioral change Signup and view all the answers

What is a common limitation of patients with decreased cardiac performance?

Activity limitations Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to assess a patient's allergies?

To differentiate between true medication allergies and undesirable side effects Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant medication that can indicate cardiovascular disease?

Nitrates Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential reason why patients may not be taking their prescribed medications?

High cost of medications and limited coverage by prescription plans Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of myocardial ischemia?

Anguished facial expression Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible indicator of a cardiovascular problem?

Unexplained facial injuries Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for strongly suspecting a heart attack when a patient experiences similar pain to a previous heart attack?

The similarity in pain indicates a strong correlation with the patient's heart condition. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the timing of pain onset in the current era?

It affects the decision to administer fibrinolytic drugs and percutaneous coronary intervention. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between exertion and pain in the heart muscle?

Exertion increases the demand for oxygen in the heart muscle, which can lead to pain. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of asking a patient to describe the quality of their pain?

To allow the patient to characterize their symptom in their own words. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to use a standardized pain scale in a healthcare system?

To avoid confusion between different scales used in different facilities. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of determining the onset and duration of pain in a patient with a suspected heart attack?

It affects the decision to administer fibrinolytic drugs and percutaneous coronary intervention. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between dyspnea and MI?

Dyspnea is often associated with MI and may be the only symptom in some patients. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a patient's feeling of impending doom in the context of a cardiovascular event?

It is a part of the fight-or-flight response, suggesting a significant cardiovascular event. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a patient's level of consciousness in the context of a cardiovascular event?

It is a sign of brain perfusion, which can be affected by cardiovascular problems. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the cough and chest pain in a patient with suspected CHF?

The cough may be related to chest pain, and it is important to determine if the cough is dry or productive. Signup and view all the answers

What is often indicated by jugular vein distention?

Increase in central venous pressure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a sign of labored breathing?

Equal chest expansion Signup and view all the answers

What is a sternotomy scar an indicator of?

Heart disease Signup and view all the answers

What is the classification of edema based on its response to pressure?

Mild or pitting Signup and view all the answers

What is a mottled appearance of the skin often associated with?

Chronic cardiac failure Signup and view all the answers

What is the first heart sound produced by?

Closure of the AV valves Signup and view all the answers

What is the third heart sound associated with?

CHF Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of exposing the patient's chest wall during the examination?

To assess labored breathing Signup and view all the answers

What is a sign of pulmonary edema?

Foamy, blood-tinged sputum from the mouth and nose Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a generator in the upper chest?

It is a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator Signup and view all the answers