5 Emergency Cardiovascular Assessment Free Online FlashCards

What should you do if someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally?

Activate emergency response, begin CPR, and use an AED as soon as available. Gasping is not normal breathing.

What does ABCDE stand for in an emergency assessment?

ABCDE means Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure. Identify and address life-threatening problems as you proceed.

What does OPQRST organize when assessing pain or discomfort?

OPQRST means Onset, Provocation/Palliation, Quality, Region/Radiation, Severity, and Time.

What should you ask about the region and radiation of discomfort?

Ask where the discomfort is and whether it spreads to the arm, shoulder, back, neck, jaw, or upper abdomen.

Can a heart attack occur without prominent chest pain?

A heart attack may cause discomfort elsewhere in the upper body or symptoms such as breathing difficulty, nausea, sweating, or lightheadedness, without prominent chest pain.

Does normal blood pressure by itself rule out shock?

No. A normal blood pressure alone does not exclude shock; consider mental status, skin temperature and color, pulse, and how findings change.

Which findings help assess circulation at the bedside?

Assess pulse rate and regularity, pulse strength, skin color and temperature, capillary refill, and visible bleeding.

Which observations are included in a cardiovascular assessment?

Record heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, respiratory rate and work of breathing, oxygen saturation, temperature, level of consciousness, and pain score, as appropriate.

How should vital-sign measurements be documented?

Record the time and method of each measurement, and compare trends rather than relying only on isolated readings.

When is a 12-lead ECG an important early test?

A 12-lead ECG is an important early test when acute coronary syndrome is suspected; obtain and interpret it promptly.

Does one ECG without signs of ischemia necessarily end the assessment?

No. A single ECG without ischemia does not necessarily end the assessment; clinicians may repeat ECGs and use blood tests such as cardiac troponin.

When should you repeat the ABCDE assessment?

Repeat ABCDE regularly and after an intervention, symptom change, or deterioration. If the patient worsens, escalate immediately.