MNA Mosby’s Long Term Care Assistant Chapter 40 Cardiovascular and Respiratory Disorders

Cardiovascular Disorders Hypertension High B/P Systolic above 140 or Diastolic above 90 Usually caused by narrowed blood vessels

Cardiovascular Disorders Hypertension Treat with: Lifestyle changes Diet changes Exercise Low salt intake Drugs Reduce Stress

Cardiovascular Disorders CAD Coronary Artery Disease Arteries that supply heart with O2 become narrow or hard Usually caused by fat build up

Cardiovascular Disorders CAD Can lead to heart attack (Myocardial Infarction) More common in men

Cardiovascular Disorders CAD Treat with Lifestyle changes Diet changes Exercise Low salt intake Drugs Surgical procedures

Cardiovascular Disorders Angina Chest pain due to reduced blood flow to part of the heart muscle. Tightness, pressure, squeezing. Often relieved by rest or nitroglycerine tablets

Cardiovascular Disorders Myocardial Infarction Heart Attack Treat with: Drugs Surgical procedures Rehab

Cardiovascular Disorders Heart Failure CHF – Congested Heart Failure Weakened heart cannot pump blood normally Blood backs up Congestion occurs

Cardiovascular Disorders Left CHF – blood backs up into lungs. Difficulty breathing Bloody sputum Body does not get enough O2 Poor blood flow to brain B/P drops Heart Failure Right CHF – blood backs up into venous system. Feet and ankles swell Abdomen fills with fluid Liver fails

Cardiovascular Disorders Patient care for CHF – Promote rest and activity as ordered I&O Weigh QD Restrict fluids as ordered TED hose Semi Fowlers position

Respiratory Disorders COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Bronchitis Emphysema Asthma Interferes with O2 and CO2 exchange in the lungs

Respiratory Disorders COPD Obstructs airflow Leading cause of death Smoking is the most common risk factor

Respiratory Disorders COPD Chronic Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchitis Cough that becomes productive O2 and breathing exercises ordered

Respiratory Disorders COPD Emphysema: Alveoli enlarge Less elastic Decreases exchange of O2 and CO2 Extreme SOB Smoking is the most common cause of emphysema

Respiratory Disorders Barrel Chest COPD Emphysema: Must stop smoking O2, drugs and breathing exercise ordered

Respiratory Disorders COPD Asthma: Airway inflamed and narrow Dyspnea Wheezing, coughing Triggered by allergies

Respiratory Disorders COPD Asthma: Sudden attacks can be life threatening Treated with drugs

Respiratory Disorders Tuberculosis: Bacterial infection Spread thru airborne droplets Treated with drugs Isolation precautions

Respiratory Disorders Influenza Flu Caused by virus Spreads quickly Vaccine for prevention Usual symptoms: Fever Headache Aches and pains Fatigue Sore throat May have different symptoms in elderly: Change in mental status Body temperature below normal Fatigue Decreased appetite, fluid intake

Respiratory Disorders Pneumonia Infection of lung tissue Lungs fill with fluid Interferes with O2 and CO2 exchange Treat with fluids and drugs Pneumonia from aspiration common in elderly