Editing Anatomy and Physiology – LPN Flashcards (section)

== Cardiovascular and Respiratory ==

;Trace the flow of blood through the heart.
:Body to the vena cava, right atrium, tricuspid valve, right ventricle, pulmonic valve, lungs, then pulmonary veins to the left atrium, mitral valve, left ventricle, aortic valve, and out to the body.

;Which chamber of the heart has the thickest wall, and why?
:The left ventricle, because it must pump blood out to the entire body against high pressure. The right ventricle only pumps to the lungs, which is a lower pressure system.

;What is the heart's natural pacemaker and its normal rate?
:The sinoatrial node, located in the right atrium, which normally fires 60 to 100 times per minute.

;Difference between arteries, veins, and capillaries.
:Arteries carry blood away from the heart and have thick muscular walls. Veins carry blood back to the heart, have thinner walls, and contain valves to prevent backflow. Capillaries are one cell thick and are where oxygen, nutrients, and wastes are exchanged with the tissues.

;What signs suggest fluid overload, and what should be reported?
:New crackles in the lungs, shortness of breath that worsens when lying flat, distended neck veins, swelling of the legs or sacrum, and rapid weight gain. Report a gain of about 1 kilogram (2 pounds) in a day or 2.3 kilograms (5 pounds) in a week to the registered nurse.

;What signs suggest dehydration?
:Dry mucous membranes, a coated or furrowed tongue, decreased and concentrated urine, thirst, weight loss, fast weak pulse, low blood pressure, and confusion in older adults. Report these findings and monitor intake and output.

;Where does gas exchange take place in the lungs?
:In the alveoli, tiny air sacs surrounded by capillaries. Oxygen moves from the alveoli into the blood and carbon dioxide moves from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled.

;What are the early signs of low oxygen, and what are the late signs?
:Early signs are restlessness, anxiety, confusion, increased heart rate, and increased respiratory rate. Late signs are cyanosis, a slowing heart rate, and decreased level of consciousness. Never wait for cyanosis to report a concern.

;How does raising the head of the bed help a patient breathe?
:It allows the abdominal organs to drop away from the diaphragm so the diaphragm can move down more fully, increasing lung expansion. Semi-Fowler and Fowler positions are standard for patients with shortness of breath.