Cardiovascular Disorders: Medical-Surgical Nursing

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Overview

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This course focuses on the pathophysiology, assessment, and management of common cardiovascular disorders within the context of medical-surgical nursing practice. Learners will explore diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular disorders, hypertension, and arrhythmias. Emphasis is placed on understanding underlying mechanisms, interpreting clinical signs, and applying evidence-based nursing interventions to promote cardiovascular health and recovery. The course integrates anatomy, physiology, and clinical reasoning to help learners connect theory to bedside practice. Through case-based learning, diagnostic interpretation, and care planning exercises, students will gain the knowledge and confidence to recognize cardiovascular emergencies and support patient outcomes in diverse clinical settings.

Syllabus

Review: Anatomy and Physiology of the Cardiovascular System

This module reviews the fundamental anatomical structures and physiological processes of the cardiovascular system essential for understanding cardiac function and disease. Students will examine the electrical conduction system of the heart, including natural pacemakers that regulate cardiac rhythm, and explore cardiac monitoring leads and electrocardiography principles. The module emphasizes hemodynamic principles that govern blood flow and pressure regulation, as well as the structure and function of the vascular system including arteries, veins, and capillaries. Through this comprehensive review, learners will reinforce their understanding of normal cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, providing the foundation necessary for recognizing pathological changes and understanding disease processes affecting the heart and vasculature.

Core Cardiovascular Disorders

This module examines major cardiovascular diseases that significantly impact patient morbidity and mortality. Students will explore hypertension including primary and secondary forms, associated risks, non-pharmacological treatments, and patient education strategies. The module covers atherosclerosis in depth, addressing its pathophysiology, risk factors, collateral circulation development, and lifestyle modifications including cholesterol management and statin therapy. Students will learn to distinguish between types of myocardial infarction (STEMI vs. NSTEMI), understand cardiac biomarkers and diagnostic tests for acute coronary syndrome, and recognize various presentations of cardiac chest pain. The module addresses angina pectoris, unstable angina, and the spectrum of acute coronary syndrome, as well as post-myocardial infarction care. Students will also examine heart failure including left- and right-sided manifestations, underlying pathophysiology, etiology, and compensatory mechanisms. Through this exploration, learners will develop comprehensive knowledge of cardiovascular disorders necessary for providing evidence-based nursing care and patient education.

Care of the Cardiac Surgical Patient

This module prepares students to provide specialized nursing care for patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures and interventions. Students will explore comprehensive pre-procedure nursing care including patient preparation, education, and assessment. The module emphasizes operative considerations and post-procedure nursing management to prevent complications and promote recovery. Students will examine specific care protocols for coronary catheterization procedures, including pre-procedure preparation, operative nursing responsibilities, and critical post-procedure monitoring and intervention. Through this focused exploration, learners will develop the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to safely care for cardiac surgical patients throughout the perioperative period and recognize potential complications requiring immediate intervention.

Structural and Inflammatory Heart Disease

This module examines cardiac conditions affecting the heart's structure and inflammatory processes that compromise cardiac function. Students will explore the three types of cardiomyopathy—dilated, hypertrophic, and restrictive—learning their distinct pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, assessment findings, and management approaches. The module addresses myocarditis and provides comprehensive coverage of pericarditis including its definition, etiology, characteristic manifestations, assessment techniques, and nursing management strategies. Through this exploration, learners will develop the knowledge necessary to recognize structural and inflammatory heart diseases, understand their impact on cardiac function, and provide appropriate nursing care to affected patients.

Structural and Inflammatory Vascular Disease

This module focuses on diseases affecting the vascular system that impair circulation and threaten tissue perfusion. Students will explore aortic aneurysms including their etiology, clinical manifestations, assessment approaches, and management strategies. The module covers chronic venous insufficiency and deep venous thrombosis, examining their pathophysiology, risk factors, assessment findings, and evidence-based management. Students will also learn about peripheral artery disease, its underlying causes, characteristic manifestations, comprehensive assessment techniques, and treatment options including both medical management and nursing care interventions. Through this exploration, learners will develop the skills necessary to identify vascular diseases early, implement appropriate nursing interventions, and educate patients about risk reduction and disease management strategies.