Cardiovascular assessment evaluates heart function, peripheral perfusion, and risk factors for cardiovascular disease through systematic examination and history. Components: vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, rhythm); heart sounds (auscultation for murmurs, gallops, rubs); peripheral pulses (rate, rhythm, character, symmetry); capillary refill; skin color/temperature; edema; jugular venous distention; and symptoms (chest pain, dyspnea, fatigue, palpitations). Nurses also assess risk factors: hypertension, diabetes, smoking, family history, obesity. Documentation includes findings and changes. Special assessments: orthostatic blood pressure; pulse deficit; ankle-brachial index. Cardiovascular assessment detects: heart failure, arrhythmias, valve disorders, peripheral artery disease. Regular monitoring guides medication administration and activity prescription. Nurses educate about heart-healthy lifestyle. This assessment is crucial in cardiac patients, post-operative care, and anyone with cardiovascular symptoms. It provides baseline for detecting deterioration.

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Zambia

• Naomi Miselo – 31 pts

• Visual Pathway Lesions
• Positive and Negative Symptoms
• Hallucinations and Delusions
• Antipsychotic Medications
• Emergency: Environmental Emergencies