CNA Cardiovascular Nursing (CCN(C)) flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Mean arterial pressure

MAP equals diastolic pressure plus one third of the pulse pressure; it is often estimated as (SBP + 2DBP)/3 and reflects organ perfusion.

Jugular venous pressure

JVP assessed at 30 to 45 degrees reflects right atrial pressure; elevation above 3 cm above the sternal angle suggests increased right-sided filling pressure.

Paradoxical split S2

Paradoxical splitting of S2 occurs on expiration rather than inspiration and suggests delayed aortic valve closure, as in left bundle branch block or severe aortic stenosis.

Atrial fibrillation

Irregularly irregular rhythm with absent P waves and variable RR intervals; assess stroke risk, rate or rhythm control, and anticoagulation when indicated.

Ventricular tachycardia

Wide-complex tachycardia over 100 beats/min with three or more ventricular beats; check pulse; unstable patients need synchronized cardioversion, pulseless patients defibrillation.

Complete heart block

Third-degree AV block shows no relation between P waves and QRS complexes because atrial impulses do not conduct; bradycardia may require pacing.

Torsades de pointes

Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia associated with prolonged QT interval; treat with intravenous magnesium, correct electrolytes, and remove QT-prolonging drugs.

Door-to-balloon time

For STEMI treated with primary PCI, target door-to-device time is 90 minutes or less at a PCI center, or 120 minutes with transfer.

Dual antiplatelet therapy

Aspirin plus a P2Y12 inhibitor, commonly used after acute coronary syndrome or PCI for about 12 months, individualized by bleeding and ischemic risk.

Unstable angina

Ischemic symptoms at rest or increasing in frequency or severity without elevated troponin; it is part of acute coronary syndrome and needs urgent assessment.

HFrEF

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, defined as left ventricular ejection fraction 40% or less; guideline-directed medical therapy improves survival.

Daily heart failure weight

Patients weigh daily at the same time, after voiding, with similar clothing; report gains over 2 to 3 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week.

Cardiac resynchronization

CRT paces both ventricles to improve coordination in selected heart failure patients with reduced EF and widened QRS, especially left bundle branch block.

ICD indication

An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator may be indicated for survivors of dangerous ventricular arrhythmia or reduced EF with symptoms despite optimal therapy.

Aortic stenosis murmur

A crescendo-decrescendo systolic murmur at the right upper sternal border that radiates to the carotids; classic symptoms are angina, syncope, and dyspnea.

Mechanical valve anticoagulation

Mechanical prosthetic heart valves require lifelong warfarin anticoagulation, with target INR usually 2.5 to 3.5 depending on valve type and location.

Eisenmenger syndrome

Long-standing left-to-right congenital shunt reverses to right-to-left flow due to pulmonary hypertension, causing cyanosis; closure may no longer be possible.

ABPI

Ankle-brachial pressure index compares ankle and arm systolic pressures; below 0.9 suggests peripheral artery disease, and below 0.4 suggests critical ischemia.

Aortic dissection

Sudden tearing chest or back pain with pulse or blood pressure asymmetry; type A involves the ascending aorta and is a surgical emergency.

Virchow triad

Three factors promoting thrombosis: venous stasis, endothelial injury, and hypercoagulability; used to assess deep vein thrombosis and embolism risk.

Heparin monitoring

Unfractionated heparin is monitored by aPTT or anti-Xa; protamine sulfate reverses it. LMWH is renally cleared and may need dose adjustment in kidney disease.

Warfarin reversal

For major warfarin bleeding, give vitamin K plus four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate; fresh frozen plasma may be used if PCC is unavailable.

Amiodarone monitoring

Amiodarone can cause thyroid, pulmonary, liver, corneal, and neurologic toxicity; monitor thyroid function, liver enzymes, chest imaging, and QT interval.

Radial artery access

Transradial cardiac catheterization reduces access-site bleeding and allows early ambulation; monitor puncture site, hand perfusion, and radial pulse.

Post-CABG sternal precautions

After sternal splitting, avoid pushing, pulling, or lifting heavy objects for about 6 to 8 weeks to reduce dehiscence risk; use a pillow for coughing.

Pacemaker discharge teaching

After pacemaker insertion, avoid lifting the arm above shoulder for a short period, keep the site clean, and report dizziness, palpitations, or wound changes.

Cardiac rehabilitation

A structured program of exercise, education, and risk-factor counseling after cardiac events; it improves functional capacity and reduces mortality and readmission.

Teaching BP self-monitoring

Patients should sit quietly five minutes, support the arm at heart level, use a validated cuff, and average two readings taken one minute apart.

Smoking cessation

Combining counseling with nicotine replacement or other pharmacotherapy improves quit rates; brief advice at every encounter is effective.

SBAR handoff

A structured communication tool: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation; it improves transfer of critical information during handoffs.

Informed consent

Valid consent requires patient capacity, adequate information about risks and alternatives, and voluntary agreement; the provider performing the procedure obtains it.

Just culture

A framework that distinguishes human error from risky behavior and reckless conduct, encouraging error reporting while maintaining accountability for unsafe choices.