About the Course:
Although many advances have been made in heart health and cardiovascular disease management, they have not been enough to move cardiovascular death from the top of the list. With the prevalence of cardiovascular disease, nurses must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to aid in promoting health and cardiovascular disease reduction. This course provides information to support nurses working across all healthcare settings who care for patients at risk for or that already have cardiovascular disease. The course can serve as a reference for nurses working in cardiovascular areas or provide those desiring to work in cardiovascular areas with an introduction to comprehensive cardiovascular care. Beginning with a foundation of cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, the course then progresses into the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. The content presented in the cardiovascular medications and risk factors chapter is referenced throughout the course as cardiovascular disease processes are discussed. Nursing application points in the clinical setting are integrated throughout to help in identifying key issues in the care of patients with cardiovascular disease.

Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

• Apply knowledge of the basic structures of the heart and their physiological functions.
• Explain the components of cardiac output responsible for hemodynamic alterations.
• Discuss the impact that epidemiology and behavioral/nonbehavioral risk factors have on the development of cardiovascular disease.
• Identify the significance of the comprehensive cardiovascular health history and physical examination.
• Discuss ways pharmacology is used to improve myocardial performance and increase myocardial oxygen supply for acute and chronic cardiovascular diseases.
• Discuss ways surgical interventions and implantable cardiac devices are used to improve cardiac performance for acute and chronic cardiovascular diseases.
• Differentiate acute from chronic cardiovascular diseases.
• Discuss the nursing considerations for chronic cardiovascular disease management throughout the continuum of presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Discuss the nursing considerations for common acute cardiovascular disease management throughout the continuum of presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Recognize the impact that cardiovascular conditions have on special populations.
• Discuss the nursing considerations associated with cardiovascular revascularization therapies and implantable devices.
• Recognize the significance of collaborative cardiovascular management through an interprofessional team.

About the Authors:
Leanne H. Fowler, DNP, MBA, AGACNP-BC, CNE, is an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) and serves as the Director of Nurse Practitioner Programs at Louisiana State University Health New Orleans (LSUH-NO) School of Nursing (SON). Dr. Fowler has more than 13 years’ experience as a Registered Nurse (RN) with specialty certification as a Critical Care RN and over five years’ experience as an AGACNP in Hospital and Emergency Medicine. Dr. Fowler has received multiple local and state-wide awards recognizing her expertise in nursing education, service to the nursing profession, and critical care nursing. She serves as an active member of multiple professional organizations and serves on the board of the Louisiana Geriatric Society and National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculty.

Sherry L. Rivera DNP, APRN, ANP-C, is an Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP-C) and is an Instructor of Clinical Nursing at Louisiana State University Health New Orleans (LSUH-NO) School of Nursing (SON). Dr. Rivera has more than 29 years of experience as a Registered Nurse (RN) and more than 6 years as an ANP in nephrology practice. She is an active member of multiple professional organizations such as the National Kidney Foundation Council of Advanced Practitioners and the American Nephrology Nurses Association.

Kendra M. Barrier, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, is the Assistant Dean for Student Services at Louisiana State University Health New Orleans School of Nursing. Dr. Barrier has more than 19 years’ experience in nursing, including nine years as an emergency room nurse and five in intensive care where she has developed expertise in cardiac emergency care. She also has experience in quality management and school nursing. Dr. Barrier taught critical care theory, practicum, lab, and simulation courses for seven years before being promoted to Assistant Dean for Student Services. Dr. Barrier has received multiple awards recognizing her expertise in nursing education and contributions to clinical nursing and academia. She serves as an active member of multiple local, state, and national professional nursing organizations.

How to Receive Credit:

• Read the entire course online or in print which requires a 30-hour commitment of time.
• Complete the self-assessment quiz questions which are at the end of the course or integrated throughout the course. These questions are NOT GRADED. The correct answer is shown after you answer the question. If the incorrect answer is selected, the rationale for the correct answer is provided. These questions help to affirm what you have learned from the course.
• Depending on your state requirements you will then be asked to complete either:
  • An affirmation that you have completed the educational activity.
  • A mandatory test (a passing score of 70 percent is required). Test questions link content to learning objectives as a method to enhance individualized learning and material retention.
• If requested, provide required personal information and payment information.
• Complete the mandatory Course Evaluation.
• Print your Certificate of Completion.

Disclosures:

Resolution of Conflict of Interest
In accordance with the ANCC Standards for Commercial Support for continuing education, Colibri Healthcare, LLC implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of the continuing education activity, to identify and resolve conflicts of interest for all individuals in a position to control content of the course activity.

Sponsorship/Commercial Support and Non-Endorsement
It is the policy of Colibri Healthcare, LLC not to accept commercial support. Furthermore, commercial interests are prohibited from distributing or providing access to this activity to learners.

Disclaimer
The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition ©2020: All Rights Reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without the expressed written permission or consent of Colibri Healthcare, LLC. The materials presented in this course are meant to provide the consumer with general information on the topics covered. The information provided was prepared by professionals with practical knowledge of the areas covered. It is not meant to provide medical, legal, or professional advice. Colibri Healthcare, LLC recommends that you consult a medical, legal, or professional services expert licensed in your state. Colibri Healthcare, LLC has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that all content provided in this course is accurate and up to date at the time of printing, but does not represent or warrant that it will apply to your situation nor circumstances and assumes no liability from reliance on these materials. Quotes are collected from customer feedback surveys. The models are intended to