Ch. 16-Cardiovascular and Stroke Emergencies

1. Ch. 16-Cardiovascular andStroke Emergencies 1

2. 16.1 Coronary Artery Disease • Coronary artery disease- A condition in which a coronary artery has been damaged • Atherosclerosis- A condition in which fatty substances and other debris are deposited on the arterial walls • Arteriosclerosis- A disease condition in which the arteries lose their elasticity • Plaque- Fatty deposits on the arterial walls 2

3. PROGRESS CHECK 1. ____________ results when fatty substances are deposited on the inner lining of the arterial walls. (Arteriosclerosis/Atherosclerosis/Angina pectoris) 2. ____________ occurs when arteries lose their elasticity. (Arteriosclerosis/Atherosclerosis/Angina pectoris) 3. Coronary artery disease affects the arteries that supply the ____________. (heart/lungs/brain) 4. Heart attack occurs when the coronary artery becomes ____________. (constricted/dilated/blocked) 3

4. Angina Pectoris symptoms • Dyspnea (shortness of breath) • Profuse perspiration • Light-headedness • Palpitations • Nausea and/or vomiting • Pale, cool, moist skin 4

5. Vocabulary • Angina pectoris- Chest pain caused when the heart’s need for oxygen is not met • Pulmonary edema- A condition in which plasma seeps out of the capillaries into the lungs as a result of pressure from a failing heart • Silent myocardial infarction- A heart attack that does not cause chest pain • Myocardial infarction- Heart attack, caused when the blood supply to the heart is restricted or cut off • Myocardium- The heart muscle 5

6. Congestive Heart Failure symptoms • Pulmonary edema • Wheezing • Profuse sweating • Rapid heart rate • Increased respiratory rate with fast, labored breathing • Paleness or cyanosis • Difficulty breathing while lying flat • Swelling of the feet and lower legs 6

7. Myocardial Infarction symptoms • Shortness of breath • Profuse sweating • Cool, pale, moist skin • Cyanosis • Nausea and/or vomiting • Weakness • Light-headedness • Anxiety • Feeling of impending doom • Pulse exceeding 100 beats per minute • A pulse of less than 60 beats per minute • Fainting 7

8. 16.3 First Aid Care • First Aid Care—Pulse Is Absent • First Aid Care—Responsive Victim • 1. Perform an initial assessment • 2. If the victim complains of chest pain or discomfort, monitor vital signs continuously; provide rescue breathing if it becomes appropriate • 3. If the victim has physician-prescribed nitroglycerin, help the victim take one dose of the medication • 4. Don’t let the victim move on his or her own • 5. Loosen restrictive clothing at the neck and midriff, and keep the victim warm, but do not overheat • 6. Monitor vital signs continuously, and be prepared to start CPR if needed 8

9. Nitroglycerin Treatment If you are authorized to help the victim: 1. Take the victim’s blood pressure 2. Verify that you have the right victim, the right medication, and that the victim is alert and responsive 3. Check the expiration date on the victim’s prescription to verify that the medication is still potent 4. Ask the victim to lift his or her tongue; wearing latex gloves, place the tablet or spray under the tongue 5. Have the victim keep his or her mouth closed (without swallowing) until the tablet has dissolved and been absorbed by the tissues under the tongue. 6. Within 2 minutes, check the victim’s blood pressure; perform a reassessment 9

10. PROGRESS CHECK 1. If the victim does not have a pulse, immediately begin ____________. (monitoring vital signs/CPR/rescue breathing) 2. If the victim is responsive, keep the victim in a ____________ position. (comfortable/supine/prone) 3. Do not let the victim ____________. (eat/drink/move around) 4. If the victim has physician-prescribed ____________, help the victim use it. (pain medication/high blood pressure medication/nitroglycerin) 10

11. Causes of Stroke • Thrombus • Embolus • Hemorrhage • Compression 11

12. Signs and Symptoms of Stroke • Altered level of consciousness • Motor function problems • Sensory function problems • Altered communication abilities • Headache that is sudden, severe, or accompanied by a stiff neck • Flushed or pale face • Respiratory distress • Constricted pupils, or pupils unequal in size or reaction • Loss of bowel or bladder control • Nausea and/or vomiting 12

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14. First Aid Care for Stroke 1. Handle the victim calmly and carefully 2. If the victim is conscious, position him or her on the back with the head and shoulders slightly raised 3. Assess airway and respiration 4. If the victim develops difficulty breathing or becomes unconscious, turn him or her on the side with the paralyzed side down and well cushioned. 5. Keep the victim warm, but don’t overheat 6. Keep the victim quiet and shielded from onlookers 7. Never give the victim anything to eat or drink 14

15. PROGRESS CHECK 1. Stroke occurs when ____________ to the brain is impaired. (blood pressure/blood circulation/nerve impulse) 2. Most strokes are caused by ____________. (embolus/thrombus/hemorrhage) 3. The most serious strokes are characterized by ____________. (paralysis/loss of vision/total loss of consciousness) 4. Position a stroke victim ____________. (on the side/flat on the back/on the back with head and shoulders elevated) 15