1. Ch. 16-Cardiovascular and Stroke Emergencies

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.
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

13. 13

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