Cardiovascular Disorders & Interventions — Heart Disease, Diagnostics, Medications, and NCLEX Nursing Priorities | Chapter 49: Saunders NCLEX-PN Review

Cardiovascular Disorders & Interventions — Heart Disease, Diagnostics, Medications, and NCLEX Nursing Priorities | Chapter 49: Saunders NCLEX-PN Review

Chapter 49 of Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN® Examination (7th Edition) by Linda Anne Silvestri and Angela E. Silvestri delivers a complete guide to cardiovascular disorders, their causes, diagnostics, medical and surgical treatments, and critical nursing interventions. It integrates pathophysiology with NCLEX-style safety and prioritization to prepare nursing students for both the exam and real-world clinical care.

Watch the lecture above for a comprehensive cardiovascular review, then read below for detailed chapter notes and NCLEX-relevant highlights.

Saunders NCLEX-PN Examination Review book cover

Cardiac Anatomy & Physiology

  • Heart chambers, valves, layers, and coronary circulation
  • Electrical conduction system: SA node, AV node, bundle branches, Purkinje fibers
  • Blood flow through pulmonary and systemic circuits

Diagnostics & Assessment

  • ECG interpretation (PQRST waveforms, rhythm identification)
  • Echocardiography, stress testing, Holter monitoring
  • Cardiac catheterization and angiography
  • Lab markers: cardiac enzymes (CK-MB, troponin), BNP, lipid panel

Major Cardiovascular Disorders

  • Coronary Artery Disease & MI: Stable vs unstable angina, MI symptoms, emergency oxygen, MONA protocol
  • Heart Failure: Right vs left-sided signs, pulmonary edema care, fluid restriction
  • Hypertension: Primary vs secondary causes, lifestyle changes, antihypertensive medications
  • Cardiomyopathy & Inflammatory Diseases: Pericarditis, myocarditis, endocarditis—symptoms and complications

Cardiac & Vascular Procedures

  • PTCA and stent placement—pre/post-procedure monitoring
  • CABG—incision care, sternal precautions, infection prevention
  • Valve repair and replacement—prosthetic vs biological valve care
  • Pacemakers and ICDs—type, placement, client safety teaching

Dysrhythmias & Emergency Care

  • Bradycardia, tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, ventricular fibrillation, PVCs
  • Cardioversion vs defibrillation, AED use
  • CPR protocols, advanced cardiac life support priorities
  • Shock states: cardiogenic shock, cardiac tamponade—recognition and rapid intervention

Vascular Disorders

  • Aortic aneurysm—rupture risk signs, surgical intervention
  • Venous thromboembolism—DVT prevention, anticoagulation teaching
  • Peripheral vascular diseases—Raynaud’s disease, Buerger’s disease

Cardiovascular Medications

  • Nitrates (nitroglycerin), beta blockers, calcium channel blockers
  • ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics, anticoagulants
  • Post-MI and post-surgical medication adherence strategies

Nursing Priorities & Client Education

  • Vital sign monitoring and cardiac rhythm assessment
  • Pain management and oxygen therapy
  • Fluid management, dietary restrictions, daily weights
  • Recognition of emergent symptoms and when to seek immediate care
  • Long-term lifestyle modifications: diet, exercise, smoking cessation

Conclusion

By integrating cardiac anatomy, diagnostic tools, disease processes, and evidence-based nursing interventions, this chapter equips NCLEX-PN candidates to provide high-quality cardiovascular care and respond effectively to life-threatening cardiac events.

Subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more NCLEX-focused lectures and study resources.

View the full Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN® Examination (7th Edition) playlist here: Complete NCLEX-PN Review Playlist

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