Anna Curran, RN, BSN Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardial sac, causing sharp chest pain and a pericardial friction rub. Nurses play a vital role in early recognition, pain relief, and monitoring cardiac function. Key Cues to Remember: … View nursing guide
Cardiac tamponade is a true emergency: excess fluid in the pericardial sac compresses the heart, limits diastolic filling, and causes a rapid fall in cardiac output. Patients can decompensate quickly into shock. Nurses must recognize … View nursing guide
Cues and Priorities Cause: Most often follows an extensive myocardial infarction (MI) causing pump failure. Other causes include severe cardiomyopathy or mechanical defects (e.g., valve rupture). Key signs: Hemodynamics: Cardiac index <2.2 L/min/m² and PCWP … View nursing guide
Aortic dissection typically presents with sudden, severe, tearing chest or back pain that may radiate to the neck or abdomen. Assessment may reveal unequal blood pressures or pulses between limbs and signs of shock such … View nursing guide
Pulmonary edema is a rapid accumulation of fluid in the lungs that leads to acute respiratory distress. This quick-reference guide is designed for nursing students preparing for exams or clinicals – covering the essential cues, … View nursing guide
A myocardial infarction (MI), or heart attack, happens when blood flow to the heart muscle is abruptly cut off, causing tissue damage. It’s a medical emergency – “time is muscle.” Nurses must act quickly by … View nursing guide
Tachycardia is a rapid heart rate over 100 bpm that can lead to signs of reduced perfusion. Nursing priorities for tachycardia focus on stabilizing circulation, ensuring adequate oxygenation, and alleviating causes. Key assessment cues include … View nursing guide
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular, often rapid heart rhythm originating in the atria. It causes the heart to lose about 20-30% of its normal pumping efficiency (loss of “atrial kick”), which can lead to … View nursing guide
Coronary artery disease (CAD), often referred to as coronary heart disease, is one of the leading cardiovascular conditions encountered in nursing practice. It occurs when the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked due to a … View nursing guide
Bradycardia Nursing Diagnosis is an important topic for nursing students preparing for both clinical practice and NCLEX examinations. Bradycardia, defined as a heart rate less than 60 beats per minute, may be benign in healthy … View nursing guide