Aneurysm and Dissection for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Aneurysm and Dissection Definition/Etiology: Aneurysm – abnormal bulging, stretching, or thinning of the wall of an artery Dissection – aortic wall layer separation Risk factors: Hypertension, atherosclerosis >60 yoa Cardiac surgery Connective tissue disease Cocaine use Smoking Congenital defects Trauma Pathophysiology: Aneurysm – pressure of blood passing through weakened artery wall = bulge (forming […]
Dysrhythmias for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Dysrhythmias Dysrhythmia Types: Bradycardia Tachycardia Supraventricular arrhythmias Ventricular arrhythmias Heart block Brady- impaired or delayed electrical impulse (SA node or CNS activation); <60bpm 100bpm (unstable >150bpm) Coronary artery disease Aging Respiratory (pediatrics) Cardiac defects Drugs (beta/calcium channel blockers, digoxin, clonidine) Causes: Coronary artery disease Aging Respiratory (pediatrics) Cardiac defects Drugs (beta/calcium channel blockers, digoxin, clonidine) Presentation: […]
Heart Failure for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Heart Failure Definition/Etiology: Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) is typically below 40% Systolic heart failure: inability to pump effectively Diastolic heart failure: inability to adequately fill Can be a complication of any type of cardiac disease Most commonly caused by CAD, chronic HTN, and diabetes Pathophysiology: Inadequate cardiac output and oxygen delivery to tissues […]
Pericardial Tamponade for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Definition/Etiology: When enough fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac compressing the heart. This causes a decrease in ventricular filling which leads to a decrease in cardiac output and shock. Trauma is the number one cause and usually from penetrating injuries such as gunshots or stab wounds. Pathophysiology: When the fluid within the pericardium builds […]
Thromboembolic Disease- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Thromboembolic Disease- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Definition/Etiology: Thromboembolic disease is the formation of blood clot which blocks a blood vessel. Clots can form due to hereditary or acquired factors. Patients often have multiple causes. Veins are a low-pressure system, and any blood that pools or stagnates can clot. Long flights or sedentary periods (post-op bedrest) […]
Cardiogenic Shock and Obstructive Shock for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)
Cardiogenic Shock and Obstructive Shock Definition/Etiology: Reduced cardiac output (CO=SVxHR) can cause a drop in tissue perfusion, and cellular hypoxia. This results in dysregulation of pH, multiorgan failure, and death if not reversed. Cardiogenic (pump failure) Cardiomyopathy: heart muscle dysfunction, reduced squeeze, systolic failure, decreased SV Arrhythmia: tachy can cause decreased SV (reduced filling […]
Procalcitonin (PCT) Lab Values
Objective: Determine the significance and clinical use of measuring Procalcitonin in clinical practice Lab Test Name: Procalcitonin- PCT Description: While procalcitonin is an amino acid that serves as a prohormone for calcitonin, its function is unrelated to calcitonin. Procalcitonin serves as an early indicator of systemic infection PCT Amino acid Prohormone to […]
Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) Lab Values
Objective: Determine the significance and clinical use of CPK in clinical practice Lab Test Name: Creatine Phosphokinase Description: Measured to evaluate the extent of damage to muscular tissue CPK – Found in skeletal and cardiac muscle, and in brain tissue Indications: Measurement of CPK is indicated in the case of: Rhabdomyolysis Dark-colored […]
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Lab Values
Objective: Determine the significance and clinical use of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in clinical practice Lab Test Name: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate- ESR Description: The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test measures sedimentation of Red Blood Cells (RBCs). In normal conditions, RBCs settle or sediment very little. Inflammation affects proteins in the blood causing RBCs to […]
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Lab Values
Objective: Determine the significance and clinical use of C-Reactive Protein in clinical practice Lab Test Name: C-Reactive Protein – CRP Description: C-reactive protein (CRP) is made in the liver in response to inflammation Measures CRP in the blood Increases quickly Decreases quickly Indications: Monitor or Identify: Inflammation in the body Appendicitis Pelvic […]