adult 1_ HF, CMP - Sheet1 Flashcards
What is heart failure?
The inability of the heart to pump sufficient blood to meet the tissues’ oxygen and nutrient needs.
What happens in left-sided heart failure (Left HF)?
The left ventricle cannot empty properly during systole or fill properly during diastole, leading to fluid backing up into the lungs.
What happens in right-sided heart failure (Right HF)?
The right ventricle cannot effectively pump blood, causing fluid to back up into the venous system.
What are key symptoms of left-sided HF?
Pulmonary edema, crackles, S3/S4 heart sounds, pleural effusion, shallow respirations, dyspnea, pink frothy sputum (severe), fatigue, nonproductive cough, angina, pallor.
What are key symptoms of right-sided HF?
Peripheral edema, JVD, weight gain, hepatomegaly, murmurs, fatigue, angina, pallor.
What are common symptoms HF patients live with?
Dyspnea, hypertension, cough, sleep disturbances, confusion.
What nursing interventions are important for HF patients?
Monitor I&Os and daily weights, educate on low sodium diet and avoiding fried foods, provide O2 therapy if needed, implement fall precautions (due to hypotension and polyuria with diuretics), educate on medication administration, emphasize exercise and smoking cessation.
What are complications of heart failure?
Pleural effusion, dysrhythmias, hepatomegaly, cardiorenal syndrome, anemia.
What is pleural effusion?
Fluid trapped in the pleural space due to HF.
What is hepatomegaly in HF?
Congestion of the liver due to venous blood backup.
What is cardiorenal syndrome?
Decreased renal perfusion and GFR due to low cardiac output, causing sodium and water retention.
Why does anemia occur in HF?
Renal vasoconstriction leads to decreased erythropoietin production, reducing RBC formation.
What diagnostic tests are used for HF?
Echocardiogram (ejection fraction, valve regurgitation, chamber size/thickness/function), EKG, telemetry, chest X-ray (fluid), cardiac stress test, BNP elevation, CMP (electrolyte imbalances).
What medications are commonly prescribed for HF?
Diuretics, vasodilators, morphine, positive inotropes, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, aldosterone agonists, beta blockers.
What devices might be used in HF treatment?
Implanted devices to restore adequate heart function (e.g., pacemakers, defibrillators, LVADs).
What is cardiomyopathy (CMP)?
Diseases affecting myocardial structure or function, leading to decreased cardiac output.
What is primary cardiomyopathy?
Idiopathic conditions involving the myocardium with no known external cause.
What is secondary cardiomyopathy?
Cardiomyopathy caused by another disease process that affects myocardial function.
What are the three types of cardiomyopathy?
Dilated CMP – all 4 chambers are enlarged. Hypertrophic CMP – thickened ventricle walls. Restrictive CMP – the right ventricle does not stretch properly during filling.
What are common symptoms of cardiomyopathy?
Insidious onset with vague symptoms: dyspnea, fatigue, angina, syncope, dysrhythmias, S3/S4 heart sounds, JVD, weight gain, bloating (ascites/hepatomegaly).
What nursing interventions are important for CMP patients?
Educate on cardiac rehab, medication administration, reducing sodium/caffeine/alcohol, importance of rest, recognizing heart failure symptoms early, suggesting CPR training for family, and avoiding heavy lifting.
What are the medical treatment options for CMP?
LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) – helps pump blood when the heart is failing. Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) – inserted into the subclavian vein to deliver shocks in life-threatening arrhythmias.
What diagnostic tests are used for CMP?
EKG – detects dysrhythmias. Echocardiogram – shows dilated heart walls. Troponin & BNP – elevated in myocardial damage and heart failure. Chest X-ray – reveals an enlarged heart.
What medications are commonly prescribed for CMP?
Beta blockers – reduce heart rate and oxygen demand. Antidysrhythmic medications – control abnormal heart rhythms. ACE inhibitors – lower blood pressure and reduce heart strain. Calcium channel blockers – relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. Diuretics – reduce fluid overload. Anticoagulants – prevent blood clots. Nitrates & Digitalis – improve cardiac output and reduce symptoms.
