Heart Failure Flashcards

1
Q

What can cause heart failure?

A
Coronary artery disease
Cardiomyopathy
Chronic HTN
Heart valve disease/disorders
Myocardial Infarction
Dysrhythmias such as Atrial Fibrillation
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2
Q

What events lead to left sided heart failure?

A

Increased peripheral vascular resistance

Increased afterload

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3
Q

If left sided heart failure occurs, what happens to blood flow?

A

The left ventricle weakens and is unable to keep up with the high demand of work

Blood backs up from the left ventricle, through the mitral valve, to the left atrium, through the pulmonary vein, and into the lungs

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4
Q

When blood backs up into the lungs, what occurs?

A
Increased pulmonary pressure
Alveolar Edema (leads to Pulmonary Edema)

This causes decreased gas exchange

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5
Q

List signs and symptoms of left sided heart failure

A
Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea
Elevated pulmonary pressure
Pulmonary Congestion/Edema --> cough, crackles, wheezes, pink frothy sputum, tachypnea
Restlessness and confusion
Orthopnea
Tachycardia
Exertional Dyspnea
Fatigue
Cyanosis
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6
Q

What ventricle usually fails first?

A

Left ventricle

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7
Q

What is a primary reason right sided heart failure develops

A

Due to left sided heart failure

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8
Q

List signs and symptoms of right sided heart failure

A
Fatigue
Increased peripheral venous pressure
Ascites
Hepatomegaly
Spleenomegaly
Jugular Venous Distention
Anorexia
GI Distress: feelings of fullness, loss of appetite
Weight gain
Dependent edema
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9
Q

What compensatory mechanisms occur to increase cardiac output during heart failure?

A

Activation of Sympathetic Nervous System
Activation of Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System
Dilation of heart chambers
Hypertrophy of heart chambers

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10
Q

What blood test can diagnose heart failure?

A

Brain Natriuretic Peptide

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11
Q

Will troponin be elevated when a patient has chronic heart failure?

A

Not usually

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12
Q

When would troponin be elevated in a patient with chronic heart failure?

A

During an acute exacerbation of the chronic heart failure

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13
Q

If a patient has chronic heart failure without acute exacerbation, the Brain Natriuretic Peptide level is most likely in what range (hundreds or thousands)

A

Hundreds to low thousands

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14
Q

If a patient has chronic heart failure with acute exacerbation, the Brain Natriuretic Peptide level is most likely in what range (hundreds or thousands)

A

Low thousands to high thousands

The higher the value, the more severe the exacerbation

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15
Q

What nursing interventions should be implemented when a patient has chronic heart failure?

A
Weigh the patient daily
Apply oxygen if necessary
Balance rest and activity
Position in high fowlers
Restrict fluids
Create an individualized activity plan
Administer medications and educate on medications the patient is taking
Encourage a low sodium diet
Educate on s/s of heart failure
Help patient learn to cope with the disease
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16
Q

When should the nurse be considered about weight gain in the patient with chronic heart failure?

A

Greater than 2 pounds gained in 24-48 hours

17
Q

What nursing diagnoses are applicable for chronic heart failure?

A

Impaired gas exchange
Decreased cardiac output
Excess fluid volume

18
Q

What evidence may be present if the nursing diagnosis impaired gas exchange is chosen?

A

Decreased oxygen saturation, adventitious lung sounds, tachypnea, dyspnea, capillary refill >3 seconds, cool extremities, cyanosis, etc.

19
Q

What evidence may be present if the nursing diagnosis Excess fluid volume is chosen?

A

Weight gain, edema, jugular venous distention, ascites, anorexia, dyspnea, fatigue, crackles in the lobes

20
Q

What is the end goal of chronic heart failure after implementation of therapeutic interventions

A

To improve the heart’s pumping ability
Decrease the hearts oxygen demands
Decrease the cardiac workload

21
Q

What medication drug classes can be administered either together or separately to help manage chronic heart failure and its symptoms?

A
Diuretic
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitor
Angiotensin 2 Receptor Blocker
Beta Blocker
Digoxin
Vasdilator
22
Q

Why is a patient with heart failure is given an Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitoror an Angiotensin 2 Receptor blocker?

A

To block Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System: decrease fluid volume, decrease serum sodium, promote vasodilation, decrease sympathetic nervous system response
(Reduce cardiac preload and afterload –> decrease cardiac workload)

23
Q

What vital signs must the nurse monitor when administering an Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitor or an Angiotensin 2 Receptor blocker to a patient with chronic heart failure?

A

Blood pressure

Even though these medications aren’t given to treat hypertension, they can still alter the blood pressure and lower it.

24
Q

Which medication drug class is the first line therapy for chronic heart failure treatment?

A

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitor