NR509 Week 4 Alternative Assignment Complete Solution
Assessment of the Heart
The heart is a muscular organ essential for life. The purpose of this
... [Show More] paper is to discuss the structure and function of the heart, as well as to provide an overview of objective data and expected normal physical examination findings for a healthy heart. Additionally, this paper will identify and explain advanced physical assessment techniques or procedures specific to assessing the heart and its function. This paper will also include a discussion on adaptive physical assessment skills and/or interviewing techniques that should be implemented for specific populations such as, infant/pediatric, pregnancy, and geriatric populations. As well as to, identify one major disease or disease process that significantly impacts the heart and to identify and discuss expected abnormal physical examination findings that may be associated with the disease or disease process. This paper will conclude with a summarization of key points.
The Heart
The heart pumps blood throughout the body by means of the circulatory system; supplying oxygen and nutrients to the tissues at the same time removing carbon dioxide and other waste products from the body. The heart is composed of four chambers. The top chambers are the right and left atria and the bottom chambers are the right and left ventricles. These chambers are separated by four valves whose main function is to prevent backflow of blood. The heart is divided into a right and the left side. The two sides of the heart are separated by a septum. On the right-side blood enters the heart through the inferior and superior vena cava delivering deoxygenated blood from the body to the right atrium. On the left side oxygenated blood returns from the lungs to the left atrium via the pulmonary veins. During atrial systole blood fills the atrium; blood flow from the right atrium enters the right ventricle by way of the tricuspid valve. The tricuspid valve closes when the ventricle is full of blood, thus preventing a [Show Less]