February 16: American Heart Month

It’s our goal here at Anatomy In Clay® Learning System, to teach students about heart disease in hopes that it will lead to its prevention.

One Fact,

One Disease,

One Community Activity,

One Form of Prevention, and

One Lesson Plan.

Once a day, every day of February.

"The Mind Cannot Forget What The Hands Have Learned.™"

February 16:

Fact: Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke are crucial steps in preventing heart disease.

Disease: Cardiac tamponade

Community Activity: Hosting a CPR and first aid training session to empower individuals to respond to cardiac emergencies.

Form of Prevention: Choose whole grains over refined grains for added fiber and nutrients.

The Human Heart, An Anatomy OnDemand™ Course is on sale for the month of February! Register by February 28, 2025 to receive Lifetime Access for the cost of 90-Day Access.

Lesson Plan: Understanding Cardiac Tamponade

Learning Objectives:

1. Define cardiac tamponade and understand its causes and symptoms.

2. Identify the risk factors associated with cardiac tamponade.

3. Recognize the signs of cardiac tamponade in a case study scenario.

4. Describe the immediate management and treatment options for cardiac tamponade.

Materials Needed:

• Simulated heart model

• Pericardial effusion fluid (or substitute)

• Pericardiocentesis needle (or simulated model)

• Stethoscope

• Blood pressure cuff

• Case study scenarios

• Note-taking materials

• Medical gloves

Instructional Strategies:

Introduction (10 minutes):

Start by discussing the importance of the pericardium and its role in protecting the heart. Introduce the concept of cardiac tamponade and explain how it can be life-threatening. Engage students with open-ended questions to gauge their existing knowledge.

Guided Practice (20 minutes):

1. Use the simulated heart model and pericardial effusion fluid to visually demonstrate how a buildup of fluid can lead to cardiac tamponade.

2. Show the pericardiocentesis needle or simulated model to explain the procedure for draining fluid from the pericardial space in cases of cardiac tamponade.

3. Demonstrate using the stethoscope and blood pressure cuff to recognize the classic signs of cardiac tamponade, such as muffled heart sounds and low blood pressure.

Independent Practice (20 minutes):

Divide students into pairs and provide them with case study scenarios involving patients with suspected cardiac tamponade. Have students work together to identify the presenting symptoms, risk factors, and appropriate actions to take in each case. Encourage them to practice using the stethoscope and blood pressure cuff to simulate real-life assessments.

Conclusion (10 minutes):

Review key concepts learned during the lesson, such as the importance of early recognition and management of cardiac tamponade. Discuss the potential outcomes if cardiac tamponade is left untreated and emphasize the significance of prompt medical intervention.

Assessment Methods:

• Observation of student participation and engagement during hands-on activities

• Review of students' case study analyses and proposed management plans

• Class discussion and reflections on the importance of timely intervention in cases of cardiac tamponade

Hands-On Activities:

• Simulated demonstration of pericardiocentesis procedure

• Practice using the stethoscope and blood pressure cuff to assess for signs of cardiac tamponade

• Collaboration in pairs to analyze and discuss case study scenarios related to cardiac tamponade

By incorporating hands-on activities and real-world case studies, students will actively engage with the topic of cardiac tamponade, enhancing their understanding of this critical medical emergency.