Apply the nursing process for a client with a disorder of the cardiovascular system.

Application should include

  • recognizing the clinical judgment model components
  • identifying factors in the prevention of circulatory system disorders
  • describing the steps in nursing assessment
  • nursing management in diagnostic tests
    • echocardiogram, radiographic studies
      • CT
      • MRI
      • cardiac catheterization
      • coronary angiography blood studies
        • electrolyte
        • cholesterol
        • triglycerides
        • creatinine
        • serum enzymes and isoenzymes
        • coagulation studies
        • arterial blood gases
      • electrocardiogram
      • stress testing
      • electrophysiologic studies
      • ultrasound Doppler flow studies
      • arteriogram
      • interpretation of and intervention for cardiac rhythms
      • venogram?
  • procedures related to antiembolic stockings and other devices
  • use of nursing management of selected disorders
    • cardiac arrhythmias
    • valvular disorders of the heart
    • congestive heart failure
    • hypertension
    • occlusive disorders
      • coronary artery disease
      • angina pectoris
      • myocardial infarction
      • Raynaud's disease, embolism
      • thrombosis, phlebothrombosis
      • arterial occlusive disease
    • aneurysm
    • Buerger's disease
    • varicose veins
    • infectious/inflammatory disorders
  • diagnoses and plan of care
  • pharmacological management and dietary plan
  • provision of educational guidelines.

Process/Skill Questions:

  • How do exercise, weight control, and body mechanics relate to the prevention of circulatory system disorders?
  • What are the steps included in the nursing assessment of the circulatory system?
  • How would one explain the purpose and nursing management of diagnostic tests?
  • How might one demonstrate procedures related to the application of thromboembolism deterrents (TEDs) and other antithrombotic devices?
  • What is the importance of nursing care related to blood pressure, pulses, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), auscultation of heart sounds, use of doppler, and the assistance with oxygen-delivery equipment?
  • What are nursing diagnoses related to the client with a cardiovascular system disorder?
  • How would one develop the plan of care to meet the biological, psychological, social, and cultural needs of the client?
  • What are the pre- and post-operative nursing care of the client experiencing surgical procedures (e.g., valvuloplasty and valve replacement, coronary artery bypass, commissurotomy, aortic aneurysm repair, embolectomy, vein ligation, insertion of pacemaker, heart transplant)?
  • How would one explain the integration of pharmacological agents, such as
    • cardiotonics
    • antiarrhythmics
    • antihypertensives
    • calcium channel blockers
    • nitrates
    • anticoagulants
    • beta blockers
    • vasodilators
    • thrombolytic agents
    • diuretics?
  • What is the importance of incorporating dietary principles, such as low-sodium diet, low-fat diet, and low-cholesterol diet in the care of the client?
  • What are educational guidelines for dealing with the adult client with disorders of the circulatory system?