Congestive Heart Failure Research Paper

Congestive Heart Failure
Definition:
Congestive Heart Failure, CFH, is a condition in which the heart is unable to supply enough blood the the rest of the body. When this condition occurs, the heart loses the ability to provide adequate blood flow to other organs such as the brain, liver, and the kidneys. Heart failure may be due to either the right, left or both ventricles. It is a long-term condition, but it can happen suddenly. There are many causes of CHF, which include Coronary Artery Disease, primary heart muscle weakness, heart valve disease, and hypertension. When your heart muscles can no longer pump or eject blood out of the heart wall, this is called systolic heart failure. When your heart muscles become stiff and can no longer
fill up, this is called diastolic heart failure. As the heart loses its ability to pump blood, blood may is backed up into other areas of the body. This causes build-up of fluid in the lungs, liver, gastrointestinal tract, arm, and legs. As a result, there is a lack of oxygen and nutrition to organs. Heart failure can also occur when an infection weakens the heart muscles.
Signs & Symptoms: * Shortness of breath due to activity or after lying down * Swelling in ankles, feet and abdomen * Persistent cough or wheezing with white and pink blood-tingled phlegm * Weight gain from fluid retention * Difficulty sleeping * Fatigue, weakness, faint * Abnormal heart rhythm * Anemia (defiency in RBC’s) * Kidney disease * Lack of appetite and nausea

Treatment: Treatment for heart failure varies and involves reducing symptoms, and treating the underlying cause when possible with antibiotics. In mild cases, lifestyle modifications can help reduce symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling. Some modifications include dietary changes, staying away from alcohol, and exercise regularly under supervision. * Medications: * Diuretics ex. Hydrochlorothiazide: diuretics prevent fluid from collecting in your body and decreasesfluid in your lungs, making breathing easier * Adlosterone antagonist: these medications may help your heart work better, reverse scarring of the heart and help prolong your life if you have severe CHF. * Beta blockers ex .metaprolol: beta blockers slow the heart, lower bllod pressure and lessens the risk of some abnormal heart rhythms. * Inotropic agents ex. Digoxin: increases the strength of the heart contractions and tend to slow your heartbeat
Client Teaching: * Take medications as directed * Limit salt intake * Do NOT smoke * Stay active ex.
Walking or bicycling * DONOT exercise on days your weight has gone up due to fluid * Lose weight if overweight * Keep feet elevated to reduce swelling * Get enough rest after exercising, eating, or other activities. This allows the heart to rest as well
Nursing Measures: * Self- care assistance * Place the patient in Fowler's position and give him supplemental oxygen to help him breathe more easily. Organize all activity to provide maximum rest periods * Increase client activity each shift * Asses abnormal response to increased activity * Monitor patient for signs and symptoms of fluid overload, impaired gas exchange, and activity intolerance * Frequently monitor blood urea nitrogen and serum creatimine, potassium, sodium, chloride, and magnesium levels * Explanation of the disease process helps the patient to understand the need to take medication * Asses vital signs and mental status. Auscultation for abnormal heart and breath sounds * Weigh patent daily, and check for peripheral edema. * Monitor I.V intake and urine output * Fluid management * Respiratory
management * Environmental management * Neurological monitoring * Provide continuous cardiac monitoring due to acute and advance stages to identify and treat arrhythmias promptly * To prevent deep thrombosis from vascular congestion, help patient with ROM