HF Flashcards
What type of medication is Lisinopril?
ACE inhibitor
Lisinopril is a first-choice medication for managing blood pressure.
What is the primary function of Beta Blockers?
Lower both heart rate and blood pressure
Atenolol is an example of a beta blocker.
Name a type of medication that lowers heart rate and blood pressure.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Examples include Nifedipine and Amlodipine.
What is the role of Digoxin in cardiac care?
Increases contractility of the heart
It is a cardiac glycoside used to improve heart function.
What are the two types of diuretics mentioned?
- Potassium Wasting
- Potassium Sparing
Furosemide is a potassium-wasting diuretic, while Spironolactone is potassium-sparing.
What dietary restriction is recommended for patients?
Low sodium and fluid intake (2L + 2g or less/day)
This helps manage blood pressure and fluid retention.
True or False: Patients with CHF should avoid OTC medications such as cough or flu medications.
True
OTC medications can exacerbate heart failure symptoms.
What should be monitored daily in patients with heart failure?
Daily weights
A gain of 3 lbs in a day or 5 lbs in a week indicates worsening condition.
Fill in the blank: Nitroglycerin is classified as a _______.
Vasodilator
It is used to relieve angina and improve blood flow.
What is a potential adverse effect of Nitroglycerin?
Low blood pressure
Position changes should be done slowly to avoid dizziness.
What is the significance of monitoring potassium levels in patients taking Digoxin?
Potassium levels of 3.5 or less increase the risk of toxicity
Toxicity symptoms include vision changes and nausea.
What should be avoided when taking ACE inhibitors?
Pregnancy and risk of angioedema
Angioedema can pose a significant airway risk.
What does the acronym DRBEDSS stand for in nursing care?
- Diet low in sodium
- Risk for falls
- Elevate legs
- Daily weights
- Stockings (TED hose)
- No OTC meds
These are key nursing interventions for heart failure patients.
What should patients with heart failure do regarding their position changes?
Change positions slowly
This helps prevent falls due to dizziness or lightheadedness.
What is a caution for patients taking beta blockers?
Bradycardia (heart rate less than 60)
Beta blockers can exacerbate low heart rates.
What should be monitored when administering Nitroglycerin drips?
Systolic BP below 90 or a 30 mmHg drop
These parameters indicate the need to stop the infusion.
What is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors?
Cough
This side effect is specific to ACE inhibitors and not ARBs.
True or False: It is safe to massage the calves of CHF patients.
False
Massaging calves can lead to complications in CHF patients.
What is the purpose of TED hose?
Decreases blood pooling
TED hose should be removed daily for skin care.
What is heart failure?
The heart fails to maintain adequate cardiac output due to impaired pumping ability.
Heart failure (HF) is characterized by the failure to pump blood forward.
What does the acronym HF stand for in a clinical context?
Heart Failure
HF can also be interpreted as Heavy Fluid due to fluid backup in lungs/body.
What is a common sign of right-sided heart failure?
Peripheral Edema
This includes weight gain, JVD, abdominal growth, ascites, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly.
What is a common sign of left-sided heart failure?
Pulmonary Edema
Symptoms include crackles in lungs, pink frothy sputum, and orthopnea.
What does JVD stand for?
Jugular Venous Distention
JVD indicates fluid overload in the body.
What is orthopnea?
Difficulty breathing when lying flat
This symptom is commonly associated with left-sided heart failure.
Name three causes of right-sided heart failure.
- Hypertension (high BP)
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Stiff fibrotic lungs
Left-sided heart failure can also lead to right-sided heart failure.
Name two causes of left-sided heart failure.
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Ischemic heart disease
Ischemic heart disease is characterized by low oxygen to heart muscles.
What is the most common risk factor for heart failure?
Hypertension (high BP)
It is the #1 risk factor for developing heart failure.
What lab test is used to diagnose heart failure?
BNP (brain type natriuretic peptides)
A BNP level over 900 indicates severe heart failure.
What is the normal range for ejection fraction?
55 - 70%
An ejection fraction of 40% or less indicates bad heart function.
What is the normal range for pulmonary artery pressure (Swanz Ganz)?
2 - 8 mmHg
A pressure over 8 mmHg is concerning.
What is the first action to take during a pulmonary edema crisis?
Administer Furosemide
Furosemide is a diuretic used to help ‘dry’ the body of excess fluid.
Which position should a patient in pulmonary edema be placed?
45 degrees or higher (semi-fowlers, high fowlers, or orthopneic position)
This position helps ease breathing.
Fill in the blank: Sodium _______ the body.
Swells
Reducing sodium intake is important in managing heart failure.
True or False: Cold medicine can worsen symptoms in patients with chronic heart failure.
True
It can lead to symptoms like productive cough with pink frothy sputum.
What dietary item should heart failure patients avoid?
Chips (high in sodium)
Sodium can exacerbate fluid retention in heart failure patients.
