Start with this short video, then scroll down for the full guide.
Why This Matters for Nursing: The heart and blood vessels are central to patient care. Understanding circulation helps you interpret vital signs, understand cardiac conditions, and administer cardiovascular medications safely.
The cardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood. Its main function is to transport oxygen, nutrients, and waste throughout the body.
Blood flow through the heart: "Toilet Paper My Ass" or simply follow the pattern:
Superior/Inferior Vena Cava → Right Atrium → Right Ventricle → Pulmonary Artery → Lungs → Pulmonary Veins → Left Atrium → Left Ventricle → Aorta → Body
Arteries = Away (from heart) Veins = Venture back (to heart)
| Chamber | Receives Blood From | Pumps Blood To |
|---|---|---|
| Right Atrium | Body (via vena cava) | Right ventricle |
| Right Ventricle | Right atrium | Lungs (via pulmonary artery) |
| Left Atrium | Lungs (via pulmonary veins) | Left ventricle |
| Left Ventricle | Left atrium | Body (via aorta) |
| Valve | Location | Prevents Backflow From |
|---|---|---|
| Tricuspid | RA → RV | Ventricle to atrium (right) |
| Pulmonary | RV → Pulmonary artery | Artery to ventricle |
| Mitral (Bicuspid) | LA → LV | Ventricle to atrium (left) |
| Aortic | LV → Aorta | Aorta to ventricle |
Memory: "Try Pulling My Aorta" = Tricuspid, Pulmonary, Mitral, Aortic
Right side of heart → Lungs → Left side of heart - Picks up oxygen, drops off CO₂
Left side of heart → Body → Right side of heart - Delivers oxygen, picks up CO₂
Body → Vena Cava → Right Atrium → Tricuspid Valve →
Right Ventricle → Pulmonary Valve → Pulmonary Artery →
LUNGS → Pulmonary Veins → Left Atrium → Mitral Valve →
Left Ventricle → Aortic Valve → Aorta → Body
| Type | Function | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Arteries | Carry blood AWAY from heart | Thick walls, high pressure, pulsate |
| Veins | Carry blood TO heart | Thinner walls, valves prevent backflow |
| Capillaries | Exchange site | One cell thick, where O₂/nutrients exchange |
Exception: Pulmonary arteries carry DEoxygenated blood; pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood!
| Component | Function | % of Blood |
|---|---|---|
| Plasma | Liquid; carries nutrients, waste, proteins | ~55% |
| Red Blood Cells (RBCs) | Carry oxygen (hemoglobin) | ~45% |
| White Blood Cells (WBCs) | Fight infection | <1% |
| Platelets | Blood clotting | <1% |
Question: Blood in the right ventricle will next flow to the:
Step 1 — Find your position on the blood flow map. The right ventricle is on the right side of the heart. It receives blood from the right atrium (which got it from the body via the vena cava). The right ventricle's job is to pump that blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen.
Step 2 — Identify what connects the right ventricle to the lungs. The pulmonary artery is the vessel that carries blood from the right ventricle to the lungs. (Remember: arteries carry blood away from the heart. So the artery leaving the right ventricle goes toward the lungs.)
Step 3 — Note the exception. This is the big trick: the pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood. Usually, we say "arteries carry oxygenated blood" — but the pulmonary artery is the exception. It's going to the lungs to get oxygen, so it hasn't picked it up yet.
Answer: The pulmonary artery (which carries the blood to the lungs)
🏥 Nursing connection: In a patient with a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs), that clot often blocks the pulmonary artery. Blood can't reach the lung capillaries, oxygen can't be picked up, and the patient becomes acutely short of breath. This is a life-threatening emergency — and now you know exactly why.
The worked examples and practice problems are the part that actually prepares you for the TEAS.
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