Cardiac - Patho HESI Exam Questions & Answers

CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE (CAD) definition - ANSWER--narrowing of coronary arteries causing a decreased lumen and decreased blood flow through those arteries -common cause: coronary atherosclerosis CAD s/s - ANSWER-chest pain, hypertension, increased pulse + respiration, pallor of skin, diminished peripheral pulses occasionally, symptom of atherosclerosis in legs is called intermittent claudication (cramping in lower extremities, especially when walking or with exercise) CAD pathophysiology - ANSWER--injury to lining of artery occurs, result in gin increased permeability of endothelial cells, allowing components of plasma to enter. -progressive narrowing of lumen by plaque enlargement_ ischemia_ EKG changes: inverted T wave + depressed S-T segment_ chest pain or angina pectoris -cholesterol and triglycerides circulate in blood as lipoproteins: HDL_ protective, taking fats away for breakdown LDL_bad, helps fat remain in cells CAD nursing assessment - ANSWER-Pain: -location_ midsternal, arms, jaw, abdomen, back -heaviness, tightness -duration_more than 3 min CAD nursing management -medicine - ANSWER--Antihyperlipidemic agent + those that lower triglycerides: nicotininc acid -Antiplatelets: aspirin -Antianginals: nitroglycerine (NTG) CAD management KEY: CAD can be modified by good management! - ANSWER-low-fat diet, regular exercise, regular check-ups, cessation of smoking, stress management CAD teach person to recognize s/s - ANSWER-SOB, chest pain, dyspnea on exertion; females may have atypical signs. ANGINA PECTORIS_definition - ANSWER-chest pain caused by myocardial ischemia from reduced blood flow, reduced O2 supply by increasing demand of myocardium, and temporary or reversible cause ANGINA PECTORIS_physiology - ANSWER--forewarning that a MI or heart attach may occur -Reduced oxygen supply causes anaerobic metabolism_ causes lactic acid buildup.