“Cardiovascular System: Key Concepts, Nursing Care & MCQs for NORCET 2025 Exam” by Pankaj Chawat

🩺 Cardiovascular System: Key Concepts, Nursing Care & MCQs for NORCET 2025 Exam

The **cardiovascular system** plays a central role in the **body's homeostasis**, and nurses must have a comprehensive understanding of this system, especially for exams like **NORCET 2025**. This blog post aims to provide **key knowledge points**, **nursing responsibilities**, and **important points for nursing care**, along with useful **illustrations** for better understanding.

Understanding the Cardiovascular System: Anatomy & Physiology

The cardiovascular system consists of the **heart** and **blood vessels**. Its primary role is to circulate **oxygenated blood** throughout the body, while also removing waste products like **carbon dioxide**.

Key Anatomy of the Heart

• Right Atrium: Receives deoxygenated blood from the body.
• Right Ventricle: Pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation.
• Left Atrium: Receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.
• Left Ventricle: Pumps oxygenated blood to the entire body.

Cardiac Cycle

The heart goes through a **systole (contraction)** and **diastole (relaxation)** cycle, which helps pump blood effectively to both the lungs and the body.

Common Cardiovascular Diseases to Focus on for NORCET

1. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

• Elevated **systolic BP** ≥ **140 mmHg** or **diastolic BP** ≥ **90 mmHg**.
• Nursing Responsibility: Monitor BP regularly and administer antihypertensive medications as prescribed.

2. Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)

• Blocked blood flow causes **heart muscle damage**.
• Nursing Responsibility: Administer oxygen and medications like **aspirin** and **nitroglycerin**, monitor vital signs, and assist with ECG.

3. Arrhythmias

• Abnormal heart rhythms such as **atrial fibrillation** or **ventricular tachycardia**.
• Nursing Responsibility: Continuously monitor heart rate and rhythm, and administer antiarrhythmic medications.

Nursing Responsibilities in Cardiovascular Care

• Monitoring vital signs: Regularly check BP, heart rate, and oxygen levels.
• Administer medications: Antihypertensives, diuretics, and anticoagulants.
• Patient education: Educate on lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise.

📥 Download Post-Exam Analysis Checklist (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, by recording memory-based answers and applying confidence scoring, you can get a rough estimate, but official scores are final.

Avoid it immediately — it can increase anxiety. Discuss only with trusted peers after recording answers.

Compare your estimated score with previous years’ cut-offs. Actual cut-offs vary each year.

Focus on reviewing strong sections and noting weak areas for improvement.