The primary function of the heart is to pump blood to all body organs in order to maintain perfusion, oxygenation as well as removal of waste products (Banasik, 2019). It is important to understand the mechanisms of the heart because it enables one know how to manage these patients. The heart functions via its electrical impulses that are generated by the principle pacemaker, the sinoatrial node (SAN). Having a knowledge of the normal electrical impulses, the heart’s pumping function as well as circulation can help clinicians make a correct assessment of a patient. For example, having a patient with an irregular radial pulse signifies atrial fibrillation and nurses can note that and take necessary measures to manage the condition. Cardiac monitoring can be done using an electrocardiogram (EKG) that looks at the heart’s electrical activity as well as echocardiogram that looks at its pumping function and can be used to identify any valvular defects. It is important for clinicians to understand how to interpret these results in order to identify pathology.
Dysrhythmias are detected by EKG as well as certain clinical features that can be picked up on history and clinical examination. Caring for patients with dysrhythmias involves determining whether the patient is hemodynamically stable or not. Furthermore, controlling the heart rate is also important as well as rhythm. Drugs and electric cardioversion can be used in managing patients with dysrhythmias. Some of my best practices include: monitoring patients’ blood pressure, taking their heart rate, determining if their peripheral pulses are regular and if there is any delay, interpreting EKG/ECHO results.
Reference
Banasik, J. (2019). Pathophysiology, 6th Edition. [VitalSource]. Retrieved from https://vsaccess.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780323354813/