CHAPTER 1 Cardiovascular System^71
- Monitor for:
- Pulmonary edema because backflow to the lungs may occur.
- Heart failure to assess cardiac function.
- Thrombus because of a prosthetic valve.
- Arrhythmias because the heart may be irritable.
- Arterial Blood Gas (ABG )to assess for adequate oxygenation, acid/base
balance.
- Weigh the patient daily to look for fluid overload.
- Explain to the patient what symptoms to look for.
- Schedule rest periods during the day.
- Restrict diet to low-sodium and low-fat foods.
Crucial Diagnostic Tests
Electrocardiograph (EKG, ECG)
WHY IS IT GIVEN?
The EKG is a graphic representation of the electrical activity of the heart in a non-
invasive procedure. It shows a three-dimensional perspective of the electrical
function of the heart. There are four common uses of an electrocardiograph. These
are (1) to measure the heart for a short time period such as during a physical or an
assessment; (2) ongoing monitoring using telemetry while the patient is an inpa-
tient; (3) ambulatory (Holter) monitoring for a 24-hour period while the patient
goes about normal daily activities; (4) stress test.
HOW DOES THE TEST WORK?
An electrical signal is generated each time the chambers of the heart contract.
Small pads containing electrodes are placed on the surface of the skin to detect
the hearts electrical signal. Each electrode is connected with wires to an electro-
cardiograph, which draws up to 12 different graphical representation of the
electrical signal. There are twelve electrodes used in a typical EKG: bipolar limb
leads I, II, and III; augmented limb leads AVR, AVL, and AVF; and precordial
chest leads V1 through V6.