Heart Failure 101
CHF stands for this medical diagnosis.
What is Congestive Heart Failure?
This is a common symptom of right-sided heart failure.
What is peripheral edema (i.e., legs), jugular vein distention, weight gain, ascites?
This daily measurement is the most accurate indicator of fluid status.
What is daily weight?
Furosemide belongs to this drug class.
What is loop diuretics?
This position helps CHF patients breathe more easily.
What is high fowler's?
CHF occurs when the heart cannot do this effectively.
What is pump blood to meet the body's needs?
This is a common symptom of left-sided heart failure.
What is crackles, dyspnea, orthopnea, pink frothy sputum?
This oxygen saturation level is concerning for hypoxia.
What is <90%?
This electrolyte must be closely monitored with diuretic use.
What is potassium (K+)?
This might be ordered for a CHF patient if they are overloaded to decrease intake.
What is fluid restriction?
What is hypertension, myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, valve disease?
This symptom indicates worsening fluid retention and must be reported.
What is sudden weight gain (2–3 lbs in 1 day or 5 lbs in a week)?
This lung sound is described as sounding like fire crackling or rubbing hair between fingers.
What is crackles/rales?
What is ACE inhibitors?
This is the first action when a CHF patient shows signs of respiratory distress.
What is raise the HOB and apply oxygen?
This type of heart failure causes fluid to back up into the lungs.
What is left-sided heart failure?
This lung sound is most commonly heard in CHF.
What is crackles/rales?
This vital sign might increase due to fluid overload and hypoxia.
What is respiratory rate?
Digoxin serves this purpose for CHF patients.
What improves contractility (helps the heart pump better)?
This is monitored over a 24-hour period to assess fluid balance and detect early signs of fluid overload.
What is strict I&O?
This diagnostic test measures ejection fraction.
What is echocardiogram?
A patient may describe these symptoms that indicate orthopnea.
What is needing multiple pillows to sleep or feeling breathless when lying flat?
This peripheral assessment finding suggests right-sided CHF.
What is pitting edema in the lower extremities?
This vital sign must be checked prior to giving digoxin.
This electrolyte is restricted in CHF patients to prevent fluid retention.
What is sodium?