Cardiovascular Essentials for Medical Assistants-Slides: Cardiovascular Patient Assessment

Slides: Cardiovascular Patient Assessment – Vital Signs and Intake

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In this document, Lesley Jones-Larson provides an overview of cardiovascular patient assessment, vital signs, and intake. <br /><br />For patient assessment, it is recommended to sit or stand at the patient's level, ask clear questions while maintaining eye contact, ask for details when needed, and thank the patient for their time and information. Specific cardiovascular diseases to assess include heart attack, coronary artery disease, valvular disease, heart murmur, rheumatic fever, enlarged heart, heart failure, ectopy, hypertension, history of heart surgery, and history of other vascular disease.<br /><br />Cardiac vital signs should be assessed using either the auscultative or oscillometric method. Proper preparation of the patient, using the correct technique for measurement, and documenting blood pressure readings are essential. Steps for proper preparation include having the patient avoid caffeine, exercise, and smoking before measurement, ensuring bladder is emptied, and having the patient sit relaxed with feet flat on the floor and back supported. Using the correct cuff size, positioning the cuff correctly, and using a validated and calibrated device are important techniques for measurement.<br /><br />Cardiac intake includes assessing heart and respiratory rates, as well as height and weight. Medication reconciliation is also discussed, which involves creating an accurate list of a patient's current medications and comparing it to the patient record or medication orders. The process includes verifying the list, clarifying medication appropriateness, reconciling and documenting any changes, and physician review and sign off.<br /><br />The teach back method is recommended for improved patient-provider communication and patient health outcomes. It involves asking the patient or their family member to explain in their own words what they need to know or do, checking for understanding, and re-explaining if needed. It is important to display comfortable body language, use a caring tone, speak plainly, ask the patient to explain back using their own words, and document their response.<br /><br />If there are any questions, readers are encouraged to contact the author.

Keywords

cardiovascular patient assessment

vital signs

intake

heart attack

coronary artery disease

valvular disease

heart failure

hypertension

medication reconciliation

teach back method