N212 Pathophysiology Exam 3 Full Detailed Study Guide | Questions and Answers | 2026 Updated | 100% Correct - Eastwick College.

N212 Pathophysiology Exam 3 Full Detailed Study Guide | Questions and
Answers | 2026 Updated | 100% Correct - Eastwick College.



1. Prevention of Emboli
An embolus is a clot or other material that travels through the bloodstream and can block
circulation in another area of the body. Prevention is especially important in patients at risk for
deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Key prevention measures

 Encourage range-of-motion exercises
 Promote early ambulation when appropriate
 Reposition immobile patients regularly
 Use compression devices if ordered
 Encourage adequate hydration when not contraindicated

Important safety point

 Do not massage the legs of a patient with suspected or known DVT because the clot may
become dislodged and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism

Why prevention matters

A clot that breaks loose can travel to:

 The lungs causing pulmonary embolism
 The brain causing stroke
 Other organs causing ischemia




2. Left-Sided Heart Failure
Left-sided heart failure occurs when the left ventricle cannot pump blood effectively to the body.
Blood backs up into the lungs.

Easy memory trick

 L for Left = Lungs

Pathophysiology

,When the left ventricle fails:

 Blood remains in the pulmonary circulation
 Pressure builds in the lungs
 Fluid leaks into lung tissue and alveoli
 This causes pulmonary edema

Expected signs and symptoms

 Shortness of breath
 Dyspnea on exertion
 Orthopnea
 Crackles in the lungs
 Pulmonary congestion
 Fatigue
 Cough, sometimes frothy sputum in severe cases
 Low oxygen saturation

Nursing focus

 Assess lung sounds carefully
 Monitor oxygenation
 Watch for signs of worsening pulmonary edema
 Monitor respiratory rate and work of breathing




3. Right-Sided Heart Failure
Right-sided heart failure occurs when the right ventricle cannot pump blood effectively to the
lungs. Blood backs up into the systemic venous circulation.

Easy memory trick

 R for Right = Rest of body

Pathophysiology

When the right ventricle fails:

 Blood backs up into veins
 Fluid moves into tissues
 Peripheral swelling develops

Expected signs and symptoms

,  Peripheral edema
 Swollen legs, ankles, feet
 Jugular venous distention
 Hepatomegaly
 Ascites
 Weight gain from fluid retention
 Fatigue

Heart failure diet teaching

A patient with heart failure is often placed on a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention.

Foods to avoid

 Potato chips
 Canned foods
 Cold cuts
 Processed foods
 Fast foods
 Salty snacks

Why sodium restriction matters

Too much sodium causes the body to hold onto water, which worsens:

 Edema
 Blood pressure
 Cardiac workload




4. Myocardial Infarction (MI)
A myocardial infarction, or heart attack, occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is
blocked, causing tissue ischemia and necrosis.

Pathophysiology

 Coronary artery becomes blocked
 Heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen
 Tissue damage and death begin

Key diagnostic test

 Troponin T assay

, Why troponin matters

Troponin is released when heart muscle is damaged. It helps:

 Confirm that an MI occurred
 Estimate the extent of myocardial injury

Important concept

 MI is caused by lack of blood flow in the heart

Anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy often used

 Warfarin
 Heparin
 Aspirin

Why these are used

These medications help reduce clot formation and prevent further blockage or complications.

Common symptoms of MI

 Chest pain or pressure
 Pain radiating to jaw, back, shoulder, or arm
 Shortness of breath
 Nausea
 Sweating
 Anxiety
 Weakness




5. Sinoatrial (SA) Node
The SA node is the heart’s natural pacemaker.

Function

 Initiates the electrical impulse
 Sets the rhythm of the heart
 Causes the atria to contract first

Why it matters