Cardiology Nursing Course

Lesson 1 • Cardiac Anatomy and Chamber Function

Covers the four chambers, valves, and great vessels of the heart. Provides the structural framework needed to interpret hemodynamic data throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Cardiac Conduction System

Traces the electrical pathway from the SA node to the Purkinje fibers. Understanding conduction is essential for interpreting rhythm strips in later chapters.

Lesson 3 • Coronary Circulation and Perfusion

Describes how the myocardium receives oxygenated blood and the consequences of impaired perfusion. Prepares nurses to recognize ischemia-related presentations.

Lesson 4 • Autonomic Regulation of Heart Rate

Examines sympathetic and parasympathetic influences on heart rate and contractility. Establishes the physiological basis for pharmacological interventions covered later.

Lesson 1 • Peripheral Vascular Assessment

Examines peripheral pulses, capillary refill, edema grading, and skin perfusion signs. Peripheral findings reflect central cardiac function and guide fluid management decisions.

Lesson 2 • Cardiac Health History Collection

Guides nurses through a focused cardiovascular history including chief complaint, risk factors, and symptom characterization. Accurate history-taking directs subsequent physical findings.

Lesson 3 • Cardiac Auscultation Techniques

Teaches systematic auscultation of heart sounds at standard landmarks. Identifying normal and abnormal sounds is critical for early detection of valvular and structural pathology.

Lesson 4 • Integrating Assessment Findings

Synthesizes history, vital signs, auscultation, and peripheral data into a coherent clinical picture. Prepares nurses to prioritize findings and communicate effectively with the care team.

Lesson 1 • ECG Basics and Lead Placement

Introduces ECG paper, waveform components, and correct electrode placement. Proper lead placement is the prerequisite for all accurate rhythm and 12-lead interpretation.

Lesson 2 • 12-Lead ECG Interpretation

Applies a systematic approach to 12-lead analysis including axis, hypertrophy, and ischemia patterns. Integrates rhythm analysis with structural and ischemic findings.

Lesson 3 • Ventricular Dysrhythmias

Identifies PVCs, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and asystole. Prompt recognition of life-threatening rhythms is essential for initiating resuscitation.

Lesson 4 • Heart Blocks and Conduction Defects

Distinguishes first-, second-, and third-degree AV blocks and bundle branch blocks. Recognizing conduction defects guides decisions about pacing and medication management.

Lesson 5 • Normal Sinus Rhythms

Defines criteria for normal sinus rhythm and sinus variants. Establishing normal patterns allows nurses to recognize deviations that indicate pathology.

Lesson 1 • Lipid-Lowering and Antianginal Agents

Reviews statins, nitrates, and other agents targeting atherosclerosis and angina. Long-term adherence and side-effect monitoring are key nursing responsibilities.

Lesson 2 • Antiarrhythmic Medications

Reviews drug classes used to restore and maintain normal rhythm. Safe administration requires understanding mechanisms and monitoring for proarrhythmic effects.

Lesson 3 • Vasoactive and Inotropic Agents

Addresses vasopressors, vasodilators, and inotropes used in hemodynamic instability. These high-alert medications require continuous monitoring and precise titration.

Lesson 4 • Heart Failure Pharmacotherapy

Examines ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, diuretics, and newer agents for heart failure. Titration and monitoring strategies directly affect patient outcomes.

Lesson 1 • Reperfusion Strategies and Nursing Role

Compares fibrinolytic therapy and percutaneous coronary intervention as reperfusion options. Nurses co-ordinate care to meet door-to-balloon and door-to-needle time targets.

Lesson 2 • Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis

Identifies typical and atypical ACS symptoms and the diagnostic role of ECG and biomarkers. Early recognition of atypical presentations reduces treatment delays.

Lesson 3 • Immediate Nursing Interventions

Outlines the first-response nursing actions including oxygen, IV access, monitoring, and medication administration. Timely execution of these steps limits infarct size.

Lesson 4 • Pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndromes

Explains plaque rupture, thrombus formation, and the spectrum from unstable angina to STEMI. Understanding the continuum guides risk stratification and treatment urgency.

Lesson 1 • Heart Failure Classification and Pathophysiology

Distinguishes HFrEF, HFpEF, and HFmrEF and explains compensatory mechanisms. Classification directs pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment strategies.

Lesson 2 • Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Management

Addresses inpatient management of fluid overload, respiratory distress, and haemodynamic instability. Rapid decongestion while preserving renal function is the primary nursing goal.

Lesson 3 • Advanced Heart Failure and Device Therapy

Introduces mechanical circulatory support, cardiac resynchronisation therapy, and transplant considerations. Nurses caring for these patients require specialised monitoring skills.

Lesson 4 • Clinical Assessment of Heart Failure

Covers signs and symptoms of left- and right-sided failure and tools for severity assessment. Accurate assessment informs titration of diuretics and other therapies.

Lesson 1 • Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Nursing Care

Addresses nursing care before, during, and after PCI including stent placement. Anticoagulation management and access site monitoring are priority post-procedure responsibilities.

Lesson 2 • Structural Heart Interventions

Introduces transcatheter valve procedures and septal defect closures and their nursing implications. These minimally invasive procedures require specialised monitoring for haemodynamic stability.

Lesson 3 • Cardiac Catheterisation and Coronary Angiography

Covers indications, access sites, and nursing responsibilities for diagnostic catheterisation. Pre-procedure assessment and post-procedure vascular monitoring are core nursing tasks.

Lesson 4 • Electrophysiology Studies and Ablation

Explains the purpose of EP studies and catheter ablation for dysrhythmia management. Nurses monitor for procedural complications including cardiac tamponade and vascular injury.

Lesson 1 • Cardiogenic Shock Management

Addresses recognition, haemodynamic profiling, and treatment of cardiogenic shock. Nurses titrate vasoactive agents and support mechanical circulatory devices to restore perfusion.

Lesson 2 • Mechanical Ventilation in Cardiac Patients

Explains ventilator settings and their haemodynamic effects in patients with cardiac compromise. Nurses monitor for ventilator-induced haemodynamic changes and co-ordinate weaning.

Lesson 3 • Cardiac Tamponade and Pericardial Emergencies

Identifies the clinical triad of tamponade and nursing actions for pericardiocentesis support. Rapid recognition and preparation for drainage are life-saving nursing responsibilities.

Lesson 4 • Invasive Haemodynamic Monitoring

Covers arterial lines, central venous catheters, and pulmonary artery catheters for haemodynamic assessment. Accurate data interpretation guides vasoactive drug titration and fluid management.