Definition/Pathophysiology Priorities
Left-sided heart failure occurs when this heart chamber weakens.
Left Ventricle
Most common early symptom of left-sided HF.
Dyspnea on exertion.
Fluid buildup primarily affects this organ system.
Lungs/respiratory system.
Which lung fields do you assess first for crackles?
Bilateral lower lobes.
What is the main pathophysiologic problem in LHF related to forward flow?
Decreased Cardiac Output
Patients may use 2–3 pillows to sleep because of this symptom.
Orthopnea.
What happens to the kidneys during decreased cardiac output?
Reduced renal perfusion → decreased urine output.
What vital sign will often increase due to decreased oxygenation?
Respiratory rate (tachypnea).
Blood backs up into this system, causing pulmonary symptoms.
Pulmonary Circulation
This adventitious lung sound indicates fluid in the alveoli.
Crackles/rales.
Poor perfusion to the brain may cause these two symptoms.
Dizziness & confusion.
Daily monitoring of this is the most sensitive indicator of fluid changes
Daily weights.
This compensatory mechanism increases heart rate to maintain perfusion.
Sympathetic nervous system activation.
This symptom indicates severe pulmonary edema and is a medical emergency.
Pink frothy sputum.
Chronic LHF can lead to enlargement of this heart chamber.
Left ventricle.
During cardiac assessment, expect to find this change in heart sounds.
S3 gallop.
Explain how left ventricular hypertrophy develops in chronic LHF.
Increased workload → myocardial remodeling → thickened ventricle.
Fatigue and confusion may occur due to reduced _______.
Tissue perfusion / oxygen delivery.
Explain how left-sided heart failure eventually affects the right side of the heart.
Increased pulmonary pressure → right ventricular strain → right-sided HF.
Name 3 priority findings during a head-to-toe assessment of LHF.
Crackles in lungs
Tachycardia
Decreased SpO₂
Fatigue/weakness
Cool, pale extremities