CHF
BASICS
BASICS
This side of the heart commonly fails first in CHF
The left side
This symptom is a common early sign of left-sided heart failure
SOB
This imaging test shows heart structure and ejection fraction
Echocardiogram
This loop diuretic helps reduce fluid overload
Furosemide/Lasix
Daily tracking of this can help detect fluid retention
Weight
This is the term for the heart’s inability to pump blood effectively
HF
This symptom results from fluid backup into the body with right-sided failure
Peripheral Edema
This simple test may reveal pulmonary congestion or cardiomegaly
Chest X-RAY
This beta blocker slows HR and reduces workload on the heart
Metoprolol or Carvedilol
Patients should limit this in their diet to help control fluid retention
Salt/sodium
This type of heart failure involves preserved ejection fraction
Diastolic HF
This positional breathing difficulty often occurs when laying down
Orthopnea
This vital sign is often decreased in late-stage CHF
SPO2
This RAAS drug helps reduce afterload and prevent remodeling
Losartan or ACE Inhibitor
Nurses teach patients to report weight gain of more than this amount in a day or week.
2-3 lbs/day or 5 lbs/week
Common causes include HTN, MI, valve disease, and cardiomyopathy
Contributing factors
These lung sounds may be heard during assessment
Crackles/rales
This lab test can help differentiate between cardiac and respiratory causes of dyspnea
BNP or ProBNP
This potassium-sparing diuretic reduces mortality in CHF
Spironolactone
This interdisciplinary team member helps with med adherence and insurance navigation
This hormone is elevated during heart failure and helps with diagnosis
BNP / ProBNP
These two symptoms together can indicate worsening CHF and require immediate attention
Weight gain & increased SOB
This test can show arrhythmias contributing to CHF
ECG/EKG/Telemetry
This inotropic medication increases heart contractility but requires monitoring for toxicity
Dixoxin
Name 3 things to include in discharge teaching for CHF
Medication adherence, low sodium diet, daily weights, fluid restriction, follow-up care, etc