UNIT 1

1. Identify the structural components of the pericardium and heart, as well as related functions.
 Fibrous pericardium is connective tissue to anchor and support the heart
 Inner serous layer of pericardium has two layers:
o Outer parietal (attached to fibrous pericardium)
o Inner visceral (epicardium)
 Pericardium secure and prevent infection and inflammation
 Heart structure – 3 layers
o Endocardium – innermost lining
 Merges with tunica intima of blood vessels
 Made up of collagen and endothelial cells
 Contains pacemaker cells
o Myocardium – middle layer
 Responsible for contraction
 Made up of muscle cells, interwoven with small blood vessels, and purkinjie
fibres
o Epicardium – outermost layer
 Completely covers the external part of heart
 Merges into tunica adventitia and contains coronary arteries, nerves, and
fat
2. Explain the flow of blood through the heart chambers and valves, and through the lungs, in
relationship to the cardiac cycle.
3. Evaluate the supply of blood to different areas of the cardiac myocardium via the main coronary
arteries and their major branches.
 Coronary arteries – comes off the base of the aorta, run along the epicardial surface and
down into the myocardium
 Supplies myocardium with blood during diastole (filling)
o Right Coronary (RCA) – branches off the right side of the aorta
 Right atrium
 Right ventricle
 90% (dominant) - inferior wall and posterior wall of LV, posterior
interventricular septum, AV node, and bundle of His
 55% - SA node
o Left Anterior Descending (LAD) – branches off left main (arises from left side of
aorta)
 Anterior wall of left ventricle
 2/3 anterolateral wall of left ventricle
 Anterior interventricular septum
 Right and left bundle branches
o Left Circumflex (LCX) – branches off the left main
 Left atrium
 1/3 anterolateral wall of left ventricle
 Posterolateral wall of left ventricle
 10% - inferior wall of left ventricle, posterior wall of left ventricle, posterior
interventricular septum, AV node, and bundle of His
 45% - supplies SA node
 Coronary veins – passively empties deoxygenated into the RA
o Coronary sinus
4. Explain the components of cardiac innervation and electrophysiology.

5. Describe the determinants of hemodynamics and the factors that influence cardiac output.

UNIT 2

1. Explore their own practice in relationship to client safety and discuss with colleagues current
successes and areas for development for preventing error in healthcare.
2. Explain the core principles of the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) Culturally Sensitive Care
Practice Guideline and apply new learning to case study discussions.
3. Examine the benefits and challenges associated with implementation of interprofessional
collaborative healthcare practice.
4. What is the mission and purpose of SaferHealthCarenow! What resources are available? How
can the nurse and healthcare team use these resources to improve client care?
5. For the Acute Myocardial Infarction intervention set, what aspects have you seen occur in your
current practice? What is the main purpose of having this intervention set available to both
health care providers and the public?
6. Review your entry-to-practice knowledge of this concept and consider what culturally sensitive
care means to you as a nurse.
7. Review the RNAO BPG summary for collaborative practice amongst nursing teams. What
recommendations do you consider most important?
8. Identify the different waveforms and intervals on an ECG strip, noting normal characteristics and
what aspect of cardiac electrophysiology is represented.
9. Explain the classification system provided by American Heart Association guidelines for the
appropriate use of Telemetry monitoring in relation to client status.
10. Describe the correct placement and application of telemetry leads for different cardiac
monitoring systems.
11. Evaluate problems associated with telemetry and suggest interventions for correction.

UNIT 3

1. Identify waveforms, intervals, segments, and complexes on a ECG rhythm strip.

2. Explain the normal and unique characteristics of waveforms, intervals, segments, and
complexes, as well as cite basic causes of abnormalities.
3. Understand the associated cardiac electrical and mechanical events signified by each ECG
waveform, interval, segment, and complex.
4. Develop and demonstrate a systematic approach to rhythm analysis.
5. Identify normal sinus rhythm on a lead II ECG strip.

UNIT 4

1. Identify the unique characteristics on an ECG rhythm strip and be able to identify the rhythm.
2. Understand the pathophysiology or cause(s).
3. Identify the target audience affected by the arrhythmia, if one exists.
4. Explain the significance of the arrhythmia on client well-being. Articulate how the arrhythmia
could affect the client’s stability.
5. Create a nursing care plan that includes priority client bedside assessment strategies and
pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments.
6. Predict the possible diagnostic and lab tests that may be ordered in the event a client
experiences this rhythm, and understand the relevance of each.