Guide exam 2
ATI Neuro & Cardiac Study Guide
Cardiac Topics
1. Myocardial Infarction (MI)
Labs to know:
● Troponin I & T ✅ (most specific for MI)
● CK-MB ✅ (detects myocardial injury)
● Myoglobin ✅ (early marker, not specific)
● Glucose may be elevated
Priority interventions for STEMI:
● MONA: Morphine, Oxygen, Nitroglycerin, Aspirin
● Assess & monitor BP
● Take patient to Cath Lab for PCI (STEMI) PCI is the preferred method for treating
STEMI because it directly opens the blocked artery, but thrombolytics are the alternative
if PCI can’t be done quickly. PCI stands for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
● Thrombolytics if PCI unavailable
● Start IV fluids cautiously
Pain management: Morphine for severe chest pain
Monitoring: Only 2–3 ECG strips; know PEA, SVT, VT.
Here’s a concise, high-yield summary for PEA, SVT, and VT tailored for nursing/ATI-style
exams:
, 1. PEA – Pulseless Electrical Activity
● Definition: Electrical activity on ECG but no palpable pulse. Heart isn’t pumping
effectively.
● Causes: H’s & T’s – Hypovolemia, Hypoxia, Hydrogen ion (acidosis),
Hyper/Hypokalemia, Hypothermia, Tension pneumothorax, Tamponade, Toxins,
Thrombosis (MI/PE).
● Treatment:
1. Immediate CPR – start chest compressions.
2. Epinephrine IV/IO every 3–5 min.
3. Identify & treat underlying cause (H’s & T’s).
● Key Point: Do NOT defibrillate – rhythm is not shockable.
2. SVT – Supraventricular Tachycardia
● Definition: Rapid heart rate >150 bpm originating above the ventricles. Narrow QRS.
● Signs/Symptoms: Palpitations, dizziness, SOB, chest pain, sometimes hypotension.
● Treatment:
○ Stable patient:
■ Vagal maneuvers (bearing down, cough, carotid massage)
■ Adenosine IV push – first-line drug; rapid IV bolus, then flush.
■ Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers if recurrent.
○ Unstable patient (hypotension, chest pain, syncope): Immediate
synchronized cardioversion.
ATI Neuro & Cardiac Study Guide
Cardiac Topics
1. Myocardial Infarction (MI)
Labs to know:
● Troponin I & T ✅ (most specific for MI)
● CK-MB ✅ (detects myocardial injury)
● Myoglobin ✅ (early marker, not specific)
● Glucose may be elevated
Priority interventions for STEMI:
● MONA: Morphine, Oxygen, Nitroglycerin, Aspirin
● Assess & monitor BP
● Take patient to Cath Lab for PCI (STEMI) PCI is the preferred method for treating
STEMI because it directly opens the blocked artery, but thrombolytics are the alternative
if PCI can’t be done quickly. PCI stands for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
● Thrombolytics if PCI unavailable
● Start IV fluids cautiously
Pain management: Morphine for severe chest pain
Monitoring: Only 2–3 ECG strips; know PEA, SVT, VT.
Here’s a concise, high-yield summary for PEA, SVT, and VT tailored for nursing/ATI-style
exams:
, 1. PEA – Pulseless Electrical Activity
● Definition: Electrical activity on ECG but no palpable pulse. Heart isn’t pumping
effectively.
● Causes: H’s & T’s – Hypovolemia, Hypoxia, Hydrogen ion (acidosis),
Hyper/Hypokalemia, Hypothermia, Tension pneumothorax, Tamponade, Toxins,
Thrombosis (MI/PE).
● Treatment:
1. Immediate CPR – start chest compressions.
2. Epinephrine IV/IO every 3–5 min.
3. Identify & treat underlying cause (H’s & T’s).
● Key Point: Do NOT defibrillate – rhythm is not shockable.
2. SVT – Supraventricular Tachycardia
● Definition: Rapid heart rate >150 bpm originating above the ventricles. Narrow QRS.
● Signs/Symptoms: Palpitations, dizziness, SOB, chest pain, sometimes hypotension.
● Treatment:
○ Stable patient:
■ Vagal maneuvers (bearing down, cough, carotid massage)
■ Adenosine IV push – first-line drug; rapid IV bolus, then flush.
■ Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers if recurrent.
○ Unstable patient (hypotension, chest pain, syncope): Immediate
synchronized cardioversion.
