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Activity 1 Assessment of Patients With Cardiovascular Disorders PDF

This document provides information about assessing cardiovascular function, including: 1. A case study of a 63-year-old man brought to the emergency department with chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, and dizziness. 2. Critical thinking questions about possible causes of the man's symptoms and how to assess him. 3. A second case study of a 45-year-old executive experiencing chest pressure, along with questions to assess cardiac function by inspecting skin color, taking blood pressure readings in different positions, and examining jugular vein distention and heart auscultation points.

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149 views

Activity 1 Assessment of Patients With Cardiovascular Disorders PDF

This document provides information about assessing cardiovascular function, including: 1. A case study of a 63-year-old man brought to the emergency department with chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, and dizziness. 2. Critical thinking questions about possible causes of the man's symptoms and how to assess him. 3. A second case study of a 45-year-old executive experiencing chest pressure, along with questions to assess cardiac function by inspecting skin color, taking blood pressure readings in different positions, and examining jugular vein distention and heart auscultation points.

Uploaded by

Jarda Dacuag
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Assessment of Cardiovascular Function

Activity
Written Assignment: Prepare a diagram that illustrates the relationship between the anatomic
structures and the physiologic function of the cardiovascular system.
Group Assignments: As a group, review the proper techniques to perform a comprehensive
cardiovascular assessment.

Case Study 1 (Angina Pectoris)


Patient Profile:
L.P., a 63-year-old man, is brought to the emergency department by ambulance at 6 AM after
calling 911.
Subjective Data:
Complaints of chest pain, shortness of breath (SOB), palpitations, and dizziness.

Immediate Management:
The paramedics have started an IV and oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula. They also
administered four ASA and a nitroglycerin tablet, and they obtained a 12-lead ECG. L.P. is pain-
free on arrival but still complains of palpitations and dizziness.

Critical Thinking and Discussion Questions:


Using a separate sheet of paper, answer the following questions:
1. What are the possible causes of L.P.’s chest pain, SOB, palpitations, and dizziness?
2. What would be your major focus when assessing L.P.?

NCM 112
3. What questions would you ask L.P.?
4. What should be included in the physical assessment? What would you be looking for?
5. What diagnostic studies would you expect to be ordered?

Case Study 2
Mr. Anderson is a 45-year-old executive with a major oil firm. Lately, he has experienced frequent
episodes of chest pressure that are relieved with rest. He has requested a complete physical
examination. The nurse conducts an initial cardiac assessment.
1. The nurse immediately inspects the patient’s skin. She observes a bluish tinge around the
patient’s lips. She knows that this is an indication of:
a. central cyanosis. c. peripheral cyanosis.
b. pallor. d. xanthelasma.
2. The nurse takes a baseline blood pressure measurement after the patient has rested for 10
minutes in a supine position. The reading that reflects a reduced pulse pressure is:
a. 140/90 mm Hg. c. 140/110 mm Hg.
b. 140/100 mm Hg. d. 140/120 mm Hg.
3. Five minutes after the initial blood pressure measurement is taken, the nurse assesses
additional readings with the patient in a sitting and then in a standing position. The reading
indicative of an abnormal postural response would be:
a. lying, 140/110; sitting, 130/110; standing, 135/106 mm Hg.
b. lying, 140/110; sitting, 135/112; standing, 130/115 mm Hg.
c. lying, 140/110; sitting, 135/100; standing, 120/90 mm Hg.
d. lying, 140/110; sitting, 130/108; standing, 125/108 mm Hg.
4. The nurse returns Mr. Anderson to the supine position and measures for jugular vein distention.
The finding that would initially indicate an abnormal increase in the volume of the venous
system would be obvious distention of the veins with the patient at what angle?
a. 15 degrees c. 35 degrees
b. 25 degrees d. 45 degrees
5. The nurse auscultates the apex of the heart by placing a stethoscope over:
a. Erb’s point. c. the pulmonic area.
b. the fifth intercostal space. d. the tricuspid area.

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