Pathophysiology: The Cardiovascular System

As health care becomes more complex, it is essential that the theoretical concepts of the basis of illness (pathophysiology) be well understood. The purpose of this course is to reinforce the scientific rationales for the interventions nurses perform and the decisions nurses make as patients move through the ever-changing struggle with their illness. In addition, members of the public may use this course to enhance their personal knowledge of the subject matter presented.


Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:


1. Describe the key structures and functional inter-relationships in the cardiovascular system.

2. Identify the regulatory functions of the cardiovascular system.

3. Discuss the pathophysiologic and environmental influences and effects on the cardiovascular system.

4. Outline the role of subjective data in completing a full nursing assessment of the cardiovascular system.

5. Describe objective data compiled during a nursing assessment of the cardiovascular system.

6. Identify elevated enzyme changes in myocardial infarction and the significance of the elevation.

7. Analyze electrocardiographic tracing appearance characteristics in patients with cardiovascular disease.

8. Evaluate cardiac catheterization results in the nursing diagnosis of cardiovascular disease.

9. Identify other diagnostic tests used in the identification and classification of cardiovascular diseases.

10. Outline the nursing diagnosis and management of angina pectoris and myocardial infarction.

11. Review signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure and related nursing actions.

12. Describe the common causes, appearances, and treatment of dysrhythmias.

13. Identify pathologic causes and manifestations of inflammatory diseases of the heart.

14. Discuss the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of valvular heart disease processes.

15. Discuss the concepts and information the nurse should provide for the patient during the health teaching and discharge planning process after cardiac surgery.


This 15-hour continuing education course is available for download for professional development; if continuing education credit is desired, please see instructions included in eBook.