patho
what is systolic left sided heart failure?? describe it
This occurs when the left ventricle cannot contract forcefully enough, causing an ejection fraction below 40% and pulmonary congestion.
What is digoxin (Lanoxin)?
This medication increases cardiac contractility, slows heart rate, and decreases AV node conduction but has a narrow therapeutic index.
The priority intervention for a patient with acute pulmonary edema and severe dyspnea.
What is placing the patient in High Fowler’s position and administering oxygen?
A laboratory marker helpful in diagnosing heart failure when levels exceed 400.
What is BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide)?
Crackles, dyspnea, and orthopnea indicate this type of heart failure.
What is left-sided heart failure?
What is diastolic heart failure? describe it
This type of heart failure occurs when the ventricle becomes stiff and cannot relax adequately during diastole, preventing proper ventricular filling.
What does hypokalemia cause?
This electrolyte imbalance greatly increases the risk of digoxin toxicity.
The most reliable indicator of fluid status changes in a heart failure patient.
What is daily weight?
The best diagnostic test for evaluating heart function and determining ejection fraction.
What is echocardiography?
Jugular venous distention, ascites, and peripheral edema indicate this type of heart failure.
What is right-sided heart failure?
What is the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)?
Activation of this compensatory system leads to sodium and water retention through aldosterone release, increasing preload and worsening heart failure.
What are ACE inhibitors?
Example: Lisinopril
These medications reduce afterload by preventing conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II.
The nurse’s first action when a heart failure patient becomes short of breath and the oxygen cannula is found off.
What is replace the nasal cannula and administer oxygen?
This hematologic change may occur due to excess fluid diluting red blood cells.
What is hemodilution (decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit)?
This condition is the most common cause of right-sided heart failure.
What is left-sided heart failure?
What is sympathetic nervous system stimulation?
This compensatory mechanism releases catecholamines that increase heart rate and vasoconstriction to improve cardiac output.
What is milrinone? also known as inotropic agents or cardiotonic agents
This IV medication used for acute decompensated heart failure decreases preload and afterload but can cause dysrhythmias and hypotension.
A patient gaining 3 pounds in one week indicates worsening of this condition.
What is fluid retention from worsening heart failure?
Rising BUN and creatinine in heart failure indicate worsening of this organ system.
What is renal (kidney) function?
This heart sound is often an early sign of heart failure caused by rapid ventricular filling.
What is an S3 heart sound (S3 gallop)?
What is pulmonary edema?
When left ventricular failure increases pulmonary capillary pressure, fluid leaks into alveoli producing crackles, dyspnea, and pink frothy sputum.
What are aldosterone antagonists?
Example: Spironolactone
These medications block aldosterone receptors and require monitoring for hyperkalemia and kidney dysfunction.
When administering IV furosemide rapidly, the nurse must monitor for this serious adverse effect.
What is ototoxicity (hearing damage)?
In severe pulmonary edema, impaired oxygen exchange can lead to this ABG abnormality.
What is hypoxemia?
A displaced apical impulse to the left indicates enlargement of this chamber.
What is the left ventricle?