N400 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

(HIGHLIGHT the information that applies to your patient AFTER obtaining information from reference source)
DISEASE: Primary Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Definition of Primary Disease A weakness of the heart that leads to a buildup of fluid in the

l u n g s a n d s u r r o u n d i n g b o d y t i s s u e s .

Secondary

Edema
A condition characterized by an excess of watery fluid collecting in the cavities or tissues of the body.

Definition of Secondary Disease

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY & CAUSATIVE FACTORS of Primary Disease (according to reference)

CHF is a physiologic state in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the metabolic needs of the body, due to an abnormality of cardiac function. Heart failure results from changes in systolic or diastolic function of left ventricle. Heart failure is not a disease itself, the term refers to a clinical syndrome characterized by manifestations of volume overload, inadequate tissue perfusion, and poor exercise tolerance. Because heart failure causes vascular congestion, it is often called congestive heart failure, although most cardiac specialist no longer use this term.

Causative factors:
COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS (according to reference)

Tachycardia, manifestations of venous congestion (edema), SOB, orthopnea, acute pulmonary edema, nausea, weight loss, bloating, fatigue, weakness, oliguria, nocturia, anxiety, memory impairment and confusion.

COMMON LABORATORY & DIAGNOSTIC TESTS generally ordered for this problem (according to reference)

CBC, electrolytes, K+, BNP, NT-proBNP, CXR, UA, BUN, Creatinine, ECG

COMMON INTERVENTIONS: Treatments, medications, surgical procedures; specific nursing measures (according to reference)

Make sure to give all scheduled diuretics as prescribed. Record strict I/Os. Pt teaching about the about causes and effects, aggravating and alleviating factors of CHF. Teach the importance of fluid and sodium restrictions, and schedule a dietary consult. Monitor Pt O2 sats and provide supplemental oxygen to help them breathe more easily. Weigh the patient daily, and check for peripheral edema. Auscultation for abnormal heart and breath sounds.

N400 pathoSp11

Remember to HIGHLIGHT before submitting