Cardiovascular Care
Nursing Mnemonics and
Tips
UPDATED ON NOVEMBER 26, 2018
BY MATT VERA, BSN, R.N.
ADVERTISEMENTS
The cardiovascular system is so vital that its activity defines the
presence of life. The cardiovascular system begins its activity when the
fetus is barely a month old and is the last body system to cease
activity at the end of life.
More than 80 million Americans have one or more types of
cardiovascular disease which include hypertension, coronary artery
disease, heart failure, and other congenital cardiovascular
defects. Because of the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, nurses
practicing in any setting should have a clear understanding of various
conditions affecting the cardiovascular care.
To help you grasp the core concepts of Cardiovascular Care
Nursing (or Cardiac Care Nursing), here are our visual nursing
mnemonics and tips!
1. Heart Blocks: “The Heart Block
Poem”
Heart blocks are abnormal heart rhythm where the heart beats too
slowly. In this condition, the electrical signals that tell that heart to
contract are partially or totally blocked between the upper chambers
(atria) and lower chambers (ventricles).
,2. Right-Sided Heart Failure
Manifestations: “AW HEAD”
When the right ventricle fails in right-sided heart failure, congestion in
the peripheral tissues and the viscera predominates. This occurs
because the right side of the heart cannot eject blood and cannot
accommodate all the blood that normally returns to it from the venous
circulation. Right-sided heart failure primarily produces systemic signs
and symptoms.
, A: Anorexia and nausea
Results from the venous engorgement and venous stasis within
the abdominal organs.
W: Weight gain
Due to retention of fluid.
H: Hepatomegaly
Results from the venous engorgement of the liver; increased
pressure may interfere with the liver’s ability to function.
E: Edema (Bipedal)
Edema usually affects the feet and ankles and worsens when the
patient stands or sits for a long period.
A: Ascites
Is the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity; increased
pressure within the portal vessels forces fluid into the abdominal
cavity.
D: Distended neck vein
Increased venous pressure leads to distended neck veins.
Nursing Mnemonics and
Tips
UPDATED ON NOVEMBER 26, 2018
BY MATT VERA, BSN, R.N.
ADVERTISEMENTS
The cardiovascular system is so vital that its activity defines the
presence of life. The cardiovascular system begins its activity when the
fetus is barely a month old and is the last body system to cease
activity at the end of life.
More than 80 million Americans have one or more types of
cardiovascular disease which include hypertension, coronary artery
disease, heart failure, and other congenital cardiovascular
defects. Because of the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, nurses
practicing in any setting should have a clear understanding of various
conditions affecting the cardiovascular care.
To help you grasp the core concepts of Cardiovascular Care
Nursing (or Cardiac Care Nursing), here are our visual nursing
mnemonics and tips!
1. Heart Blocks: “The Heart Block
Poem”
Heart blocks are abnormal heart rhythm where the heart beats too
slowly. In this condition, the electrical signals that tell that heart to
contract are partially or totally blocked between the upper chambers
(atria) and lower chambers (ventricles).
,2. Right-Sided Heart Failure
Manifestations: “AW HEAD”
When the right ventricle fails in right-sided heart failure, congestion in
the peripheral tissues and the viscera predominates. This occurs
because the right side of the heart cannot eject blood and cannot
accommodate all the blood that normally returns to it from the venous
circulation. Right-sided heart failure primarily produces systemic signs
and symptoms.
, A: Anorexia and nausea
Results from the venous engorgement and venous stasis within
the abdominal organs.
W: Weight gain
Due to retention of fluid.
H: Hepatomegaly
Results from the venous engorgement of the liver; increased
pressure may interfere with the liver’s ability to function.
E: Edema (Bipedal)
Edema usually affects the feet and ankles and worsens when the
patient stands or sits for a long period.
A: Ascites
Is the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity; increased
pressure within the portal vessels forces fluid into the abdominal
cavity.
D: Distended neck vein
Increased venous pressure leads to distended neck veins.
