Signs & Symptoms
Shortness of breath with exertion is an early symptom of what condition?
Heart failure
Name one modifiable risk factor for hypertension.
Diet, smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol use, stress
Which class of medication is often the first-line treatment for hypertension?
Thiazide diuretics
What position helps improve breathing in a patient with heart failure?
High Fowler’s position
Uncontrolled hypertension is often called the “____ killer.”
Silent
Dependent edema is most commonly associated with which side of heart failure?
Right-sided heart failure
Which two chronic diseases are the most common causes of heart failure?
Hypertension and coronary artery disease
ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure by blocking what system?
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)
Daily monitoring of what is the best indicator of fluid balance in heart failure patients?
Daily weights
Pulmonary edema in heart failure is caused by fluid backing up into what organ?
The lungs
Orthopnea is relieved by what simple intervention?
Sitting up or elevating the head of the bed
African American patients have a higher risk of what condition?
Hypertension
What electrolyte must be closely monitored when giving furosemide (Lasix)?
Potassium
A patient with hypertension should be encouraged to limit intake of what mineral in the diet?
Sodium
Hypertension is the number one risk factor for what type of stroke?
Hemorrhagic stroke
Uncontrolled hypertension often causes damage to what organ that worsens heart failure?
The left ventricle (the heart muscle)
Long-standing uncontrolled hypertension can eventually lead to what type of heart failure?
Left ventricular hypertrophy → systolic heart failure
Beta-blockers reduce heart failure symptoms by lowering what two things?
Heart rate and blood pressure
Teaching for a patient starting on diuretics should include reporting which common symptom?
Dizziness or lightheadedness (from hypotension/electrolyte imbalance)
Left-sided heart failure can eventually lead to failure of which other side of the heart?
Right-sided
Crackles in the lungs are most commonly associated with which side of heart failure?
Left-sided heart failure
Which lab value is most useful to diagnose and monitor heart failure?
BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide)
Which drug is used in heart failure to increase contractility but must be monitored for toxicity?
Digoxin
What is the recommended maximum sodium intake for clients with hypertension or heart failure?
2 grams (2000 mg) per day
What life-threatening cardiac rhythm disturbance is a common complication of heart failure?
Ventricular arrhythmias (ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation)