Emergency management of heart failure

Question 1

How does acute heart failure present?

Answer 1

1. Acute pulmonary oedema
2. Dyspnea
3. Tachycardia
4. Orthopnea
5. Pink frothy sputum

Question 2

Name 4 signs of acute heart failure?

Answer 2

1. High HR
2. High respiratory rate
3. Raised JVP
4. Pleural effusion

Question 3

What is the first step of management?

Answer 3

Sit the patient up

Question 4

What is the second step?

Answer 4

Oxygen ( 94-98%)

Question 5

What is the third step of management?

Answer 5

1. IV access
2. Bloods - UanE, troponin, BNP, ABG
3. ECG

Question 6

(4) Which three drugs must be administered in the fourth step of management?

Answer 6

1. Opiates - Diamorphine 2.5 - 5 mg IV
2. Furosemide - 40 - 80 mg IV
3. Sublingual / Oral GTN

Question 7

(5) Which investigations must be carried out in the fifth step of management?

Answer 7

1. Chest X ray
2. ECHO
3. ECG

Question 8

(6)

- If systolic bp is > 100 mmHg

Answer 8

IV isorbide dinitrate

Question 9

(6)

- If systolic bp is < 100 mmHg

Answer 9

Treat as cardiogenic shock