Understanding
cardiac function is crucial for nurses as they often work closely with patients suffering from heart-related conditions. This knowledge allows nurses to provide effective care, monitor and assess cardiac health, and educate patients on maintaining cardiovascular wellness.
What is Cardiac Function?
Cardiac function refers to the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently throughout the body. It encompasses the heart's
contractility, heart rate, electrical conduction, and the state of the heart's chambers and valves. Proper cardiac function ensures adequate oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues, which is vital for sustaining life.
Auscultation: Using a stethoscope to listen for heart sounds, murmurs, or arrhythmias.
Pulse Assessment: Checking the rate, rhythm, and quality of peripheral pulses.
Blood Pressure Measurement: Monitoring for hypertension or hypotension.
Electrocardiogram (ECG): Evaluating electrical activity for signs of ischemia or arrhythmias.
Observing Clinical Signs: Noting symptoms such as dyspnea, chest pain, or edema.
Heart Rate: The number of beats per minute; an increased heart rate can boost output temporarily.
Stroke Volume: The amount of blood ejected with each heartbeat, influenced by preload, afterload, and contractility.
Vascular Resistance: The resistance blood faces in the circulatory system, affecting how hard the heart must work.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): A condition characterized by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle due to plaque buildup in the arteries.
Heart Failure: When the heart cannot pump efficiently, leading to fluid buildup and insufficient blood flow.
Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats that can affect cardiac output and lead to complications.
Valvular Heart Disease: Disorders of the heart valves that can cause stenosis or regurgitation.
Medication Administration: Providing antiarrhythmics, antihypertensives, or diuretics as prescribed.
