Pathophysiology
This type of heart failure involves impaired contraction and reduced ejection fraction
What is systolic heart failure?
The 3 cardinal symptoms of heart failure
What is dyspnea, edema, fatigue?
These drugs work by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I into angiotensin II therefore reducing the afterload in heart failure
What are ACE inhibitors?
Positioning the patient upright helps relieve this symptom
What is dyspnea?
Patients should limit this nutrient to reduce fluid retention
What is sodium?
This type of heart failure involves stiff ventricles that are unable to fill properly
What is diastolic heart failure?
This symptom occurs when lying flat and improves when sitting up
What is orthopnea?
This class of drugs slows heart rate and improves survival in heart failure patients
What are beta-blockers?
Daily monitoring of this helps detect fluid retention early
What is daily weight?
Patients should report weight gain of this amount in 24 hours
What is 2-3 pounds in a day?
This system is activated in heart failure and leads to fluid retention and vasoconstriction
What is RAAS (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system)?
Peripheral edema is most often associated with this type of heart failure
What is right sided heart failure?
This loop diuretic is commonly used for fluid overload
What is furosemide (Lasix)?
This lab must be monitored closely with loop diuretics
What is potassium level?
This lifestyle change is critical for heart failure management
What is smoking cessation?
This compensatory mechanism increases heart rate and contractility by releasing norepinephrine
What is sympathetic nervous system activation?
Pink, frothy sputum indicates this serious complication
What is pulmonary edema?
This drug increases contractility but has a narrow therapeutic index
What is digoxin?
This assessment helps detect worsening pulmonary congestion
What are lung sounds (crackles)?
Patients taking digoxin should report this symptom immediately
What are visual changes (yellow/green halos)?
This peptide is released from ventricles and used as a diagnostic marker for heart failure
What is BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide)?
This nighttime symptom causes sudden breathlessness
What is paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND)?
This medication blocks aldosterone and helps reduce remodeling
What is spironolactone?
This vital sign must be checked before giving beta blockers
What is heart rate?
Education about effective contraception should be included with these heart failure drugs