Chapter 14: Cardiovascular Emergencies

Question 1

Define aortic aneurysm

Answer 1

A weakness in the wall of the aorta that makes it susceptible to rupture.

Question 2

What’s atherosclerosis?

Answer 2

A disorder in which cholesterol and calcium build up inside the walls of blood vessels, eventually leading to partial or complete blockage of blood flow.

Question 3

What’s dependent edema?

Answer 3

Swelling in the part of the body closest to the ground, caused by collection of fluid in the tissues; possible sign of CHF.

Question 4

What’s a dissecting aneurysm?

Answer 4

A condition in which the inner layers of an artery become separated, allowing blood to flow between the layers.

Question 5

Define ischemia

Answer 5

A lack of oxygen that deprives tissues of necessary nutrients, resulting from partial or complete blockage of blood flow; potentially reversible because permanent injury has not yet occurred.

Question 6

What’s acute coronary syndrome?

Answer 6

A term used to describe a group of symptoms caused by myocardial ischemia.