The Heart
I am the actual muscle of the heart.
What is myocardium?
A radiology study that may be one of the first diagnostic studies to detect heart failure.
What is a chest xray?
Furosemide is often a first line treatment for heart failure. What is the specific drug classification of this medication?
What is a loop diuretic?
This is usually a first line treatment for shortness of breath and easy to administer for CHF exacerbation.
What is oxygen?
A nursing diagnosis associated with fluid retention and/or edema.
What is excess fluid volume?
I am known as the "Gatekeeper".
What is the AV node?
What is BNP (brain natriuretic peptide)?
A common side effect of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors.
What is a dry cough?
When the heart is working hard and is in distress, it is necessary to allow the patient periods of ______ during ADLs.
What is rest?
Due to congestion within the pulmonary system, this nursing diagnosis would be appropriate for a patient with heart failure.
What is impaired gas exchange?
These supply the heart muscle with blood rich in oxygen and nutrients.
What are coronary arteries?
The recording of the electrical activity of the heart.
What is an ECG/EKG?
This class of drugs not only decreases the heart rate, but also decreases blood pressure.
What is a beta blocker?
When administering diuretics, it is our responsibility to monitor labs. What electrolyte may need to be replaced if the patient begins to display multifocal PVCs or if the lab result is <3.5?
What is potassium?
Patients with heart failure often have a difficult time catching their breath, walking a short distance, and performing ADLs. What nursing diagnosis would fit this assessment?
What is Activity Intolerance?
The initial stretching of the ventricles.
What is preload?
This diagnostic test determines how your heart works under periods of physical activity.
What is a stress test?
This inotropic drug comes from the Foxtail plant. It slows the heart rate, and increases the contractility of the heart muscle.
What is digoxin (Lanoxin)?
Patients are usually taught how to use this tool.
What is the heart failure zone tool?
Patients are instructed to weigh themselves daily first thing in the morning, and how to use the Heart Failure Zone Tool. Which nursing diagnosis would this address?
The volume of blood pumped by the heart in one minute.
What is Cardiac Output (CO)?
This diagnostic exam uses ultrasound to examine images of the heart chambers and valves to determine any abnormalities and the ejection fraction.
What is an echocardiogram?
This class of drug may be given if the underlying cause of the heart failure is atrial fibrillation.
What is an anti-dysrhythmic drug?
If a patient has an EF < 15% with severe left ventricular hypertrophy, the patient may need this during the acute phase of an exacerbation of heart failure or until a transplantable heart is availabel.
Often times it is very difficult for both the patient and the family during these times. Which nursing diagnosis would be beneficial to use to address this assessment?
What is ineffective coping?