Cardiology Nurse Course

Lesson 1 • Cardiac Cycle and Hemodynamics

Describes systole, diastole, and pressure-volume relationships governing cardiac output. Provides the physiological basis for hemodynamic monitoring.

Lesson 2 • Heart Structure and Chamber Function

Covers the four chambers, valves, and great vessels with their roles in circulation. Establishes anatomical vocabulary used throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • Autonomic Regulation of Heart Rate

Examines sympathetic and parasympathetic influences on heart rate and contractility. Supports understanding of pharmacological interventions covered later.

Lesson 4 • Coronary Circulation and Perfusion

Details the coronary arteries and venous drainage supplying myocardial tissue. Connects perfusion concepts to ischemia and infarction risk.

Lesson 1 • Structured Cardiac History Interview

Teaches a systematic approach to eliciting chest pain, dyspnea, palpitations, and syncope. Builds the foundation for differential diagnosis in subsequent chapters.

Lesson 2 • Respiratory Assessment in Cardiac Disease

Identifies breath sounds and respiratory patterns associated with heart failure and pulmonary edema. Integrates respiratory findings into the cardiac assessment framework.

Lesson 3 • Vital Signs in Cardiac Patients

Covers accurate measurement and interpretation of blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen saturation. Identifies deviations that signal hemodynamic compromise.

Lesson 4 • Peripheral Vascular Assessment

Examines pulses, capillary refill, edema, and skin changes indicating vascular compromise. Connects peripheral findings to central cardiac pathology.

Lesson 1 • ECG Lead Placement and Acquisition

Covers correct electrode placement for standard and precordial leads to ensure artifact-free tracings. Errors in placement are linked to misinterpretation risks.

Lesson 2 • Cardiac Rhythm Identification

Teaches systematic rhythm strip analysis using a five-step method. Covers sinus rhythms, atrial arrhythmias, and junctional rhythms.

Lesson 3 • Normal ECG Waveform Analysis

Defines P wave, QRS complex, T wave, and intervals with normal reference ranges. Establishes the baseline for recognizing abnormal patterns.

Lesson 4 • Ventricular Arrhythmias and Heart Blocks

Identifies PVCs, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and degrees of AV block. Prioritizes life-threatening patterns requiring immediate intervention.

Lesson 1 • Stress Testing and Holter Monitoring

Describes exercise stress tests and ambulatory ECG monitoring indications and nursing roles. Prepares nurses to educate patients and manage test-related complications.

Lesson 2 • Hemodynamic Monitoring Principles

Explains arterial lines, central venous pressure, and pulmonary artery catheter data. Connects hemodynamic parameters to cardiac output concepts from Chapter 1.

Lesson 3 • Continuous Cardiac Monitoring

Trains setup, alarm management, and troubleshooting of bedside telemetry systems. Emphasizes timely recognition of monitored rhythm changes.

Lesson 4 • Echocardiography Fundamentals for Nurses

Introduces transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography findings relevant to nursing care. Focuses on ejection fraction, wall motion, and valve assessment.

Lesson 1 • Valvular Heart Disease Overview

Covers aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation, and other common valve disorders with hemodynamic impact. Links murmur findings from Chapter 2 to specific valve pathology.

Lesson 2 • Hypertensive Heart Disease and Cardiomyopathies

Examines hypertensive cardiac remodeling, dilated, hypertrophic, and restrictive cardiomyopathies. Identifies nursing assessment priorities for each condition.

Lesson 3 • Coronary Artery Disease and Acute Coronary Syndromes

Explains atherosclerosis, plaque rupture, and the spectrum from unstable angina to STEMI. Builds on coronary anatomy and ECG skills from prior chapters.

Lesson 4 • Pericardial and Inflammatory Cardiac Conditions

Describes pericarditis, myocarditis, and cardiac tamponade with distinguishing clinical features. Emphasizes urgent recognition of tamponade physiology.

Lesson 1 • Heart Failure Pharmacotherapy

Examines ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, diuretics, and SGLT2 inhibitors in heart failure. Links drug effects to hemodynamic parameters and symptom relief.

Lesson 2 • Lipid-Lowering and Antihypertensive Agents

Reviews statins, PCSK9 inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and renin-angiotensin agents. Focuses on long-term adherence monitoring and side effect management.

Lesson 3 • Anticoagulation and Antiplatelet Therapy

Covers heparin, warfarin, DOACs, and antiplatelet agents with monitoring and reversal strategies. Emphasizes bleeding risk assessment and patient education.

Lesson 4 • Vasoactive and Inotropic Medications

Describes vasopressors, vasodilators, and inotropes used in hemodynamic instability. Requires understanding of cardiac output and hemodynamic monitoring from Chapter 4.

Lesson 1 • Acute Myocardial Infarction Response

Applies the MONA-B framework and time-to-reperfusion priorities for STEMI and NSTEMI management. Coordinates nursing actions within the cardiac catheterization team.

Lesson 2 • Cardiogenic Shock Recognition and Management

Identifies hemodynamic criteria for cardiogenic shock and initiates stabilization measures. Integrates vasoactive drug knowledge and hemodynamic monitoring skills.

Lesson 3 • Defibrillation and Cardioversion

Trains safe operation of defibrillators for synchronized cardioversion and unsynchronized defibrillation. Distinguishes energy settings and indications for each procedure.

Lesson 4 • Hypertensive Crisis and Aortic Emergencies

Differentiates hypertensive urgency from emergency and manages aortic dissection presentations. Emphasizes blood pressure targets and pain management priorities.

Lesson 1 • Cardiac Surgery Perioperative Care

Prepares nurses for CABG, valve repair, and cardiac surgery recovery room management. Focuses on chest tube drainage, hemodynamic stability, and early complication detection.

Lesson 2 • Cardiac Catheterization Nursing Care

Covers pre-procedure preparation, intraprocedural monitoring, and post-procedure access site care. Identifies contrast nephropathy and vascular complications requiring intervention.

Lesson 3 • Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Principles

Describes the phases of cardiac rehabilitation and the nurse's role in exercise prescription and education. Connects rehabilitation outcomes to long-term secondary prevention goals.

Lesson 4 • Permanent Pacemaker and ICD Management

Explains pacemaker modes, ICD therapy, and nursing responsibilities for device patients. Addresses electromagnetic interference, device interrogation, and patient education.