Signs & Symptoms
A symptom most indicative of left‑sided heart failure.
What is dyspnea on exertion?
NOT a typical cause of right‑sided heart failure.
What is hypertension?
Never stop medications without talking to your provider.
What is medication education?
Evidenced by cool extremities, delayed capillary refill, weak pulses
What is ineffective Peripheral Tissue Perfusion?
Encourage the patient to express fears or concerns.
What is to reduce Anxiety and Promote Understanding?
A symptom is least likely in right‑sided heart failure.
What are crackles in the lungs?
The lab value most important to monitor in a patient with heart failure.
What is BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide)?
The primary reason for daily weights.
What is to detect fluid retention early?
Evidenced by exertional dyspnea, fatigue, weakness, abnormal vital signs with activity
What is activity Intolerance?
A priority nursing intervention for dyspnea and orthopnea in left-sided heart failure.
What is elevating the head of the bed?
A common complication of left‑sided heart failure.
What is pulmonary edema?
Aphysiological change that primarily causes right‑sided heart failure.
What is Right ventricle failure?
Call your provider if you gain 2–3 pounds in 24 hours or 5 pounds in a week.
What is daily weight monitoring?
Related to impaired myocardial contractility, altered heart rate, or structural abnormalities.
What is decreased Cardiac Output?
Administration of diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta‑blockers, or vasodilators.
What is to improve Cardiac Output?
Likely to be exhibited in a patient with left‑sided heart failure.
What are crackles in the lung bases?
An elevated BNP level in the context of heart failure.
What is Fluid overload and cardiac stress?
Which patient education topic is most relevant for both left and right‑sided heart failure?
Sodium restriction
Evidenced by tachypnea, orthopnea, use of accessory muscles
What is ineffective Breathing Pattern?
Provide supplemental oxygen as ordered and monitor oxygen saturation.
What is to Improve Gas Exchange?
Fluid backs up into the lungs when lying flat.
What is orthopnea?
Cause of abdominal discomfort and swelling in right-sided heart failure.
What is systemic venous congestion?
Confusion, fainting, pink, and frothy sputum.
When to Seek Emergency Care?
Evidenced by edema, weight gain, crackles, jugular venous distention, oliguria.
What is excess Fluid Volume?
The priority nursing intervention for a patient with right‑sided heart failure.
What is to reduce fluid overload?