Definition
Failure of the left and/or right chambers of the heart results in insufficient output to meet tissue needs and causes pulmonary and systemic vascular congestion. This disease condition is termed heart failure (HF). Despite diagnostic and therapeutic advances, HF continues to be associated with high morbidity and mortality. This is a nursing care plan for Heart Failure.
Diagnostic Studies
- ECG: Ventricular or atrial hypertrophy, axis deviation, ischemia, and damage patterns may be present. Dysrhythmias, e.g., tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, conduction delays, especially left bundle branch block, frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) may be present. Persistent ST-T segment abnormalities and decreased QRS amplitude may be present.
- Chest x-ray: May show enlarged cardiac shadow, reflecting chamber dilation/hypertrophy, or changes in blood vessels, reflecting increased pulmonary pressure. Abnormal contour, e.g., bulging of left cardiac border, may suggest ventricular aneurysm.
- Sonograms (echocardiogram, Doppler and transesophageal echocardiogram): May reveal enlarged chamber dimensions, alterations in valvular function/structure, the degrees of ventricular dilation and dysfunction.
- Heart scan (multigated acquisition [MUGA]): Measures cardiac volume during both systole and diastole, measures ejection fraction, and estimates wall motion.
- Exercise or pharmacological stress myocardial perfusion (e.g., Persantine or Thallium scan):Determines presence of myocardial ischemia and wall motion abnormalities.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: Sensitive test for evaluation of myocardial ischemia/detecting viable myocardium.
- Cardiac catheterization: Abnormal pressures are indicative and help differentiate right- versus left-sided heart failure, as well as valve stenosis or insufficiency. Also assesses patency of coronary arteries. Contrast injected into the ventricles reveals abnormal size and ejection fraction/altered contractility. Transvenous endomyocardial biopsy may be useful in some patients to determine the underlying disorder, such as myocarditis or amylodosis.
- Liver enzymes: Elevated in liver congestion/failure.
- Digoxin and other cardiac drug levels: Determine therapeutic range and correlate with patient response.
- Bleeding and clotting times: Determine therapeutic range; identify those at risk for excessive clot formation.
- Electrolytes: May be altered because of fluid shifts/decreased renal function, diuretic therapy.
- Pulse oximetry: Oxygen saturation may be low, especially when acute HF is imposed on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or chronic HF.
- Arterial blood gases (ABGs): Left ventricular failure is characterized by mild respiratory alkalosis (early) or hypoxemia with an increased Pco2 (late).
- BUN/creatinine: Elevated BUN suggests decreased renal perfusion. Elevation of both BUN and creatinine is indicative of renal failure.
- Serum albumin/transferrin: May be decreased as a result of reduced protein intake or reduced protein synthesis in congested liver.
- Complete blood count (CBC): May reveal anemia, polycythemia, or dilutional changes indicating water retention. Levels of white blood cells (WBCs) may be elevated, reflecting recent/acute MI, pericarditis, or other inflammatory or infectious states.
- ESR: May be elevated, indicating acute inflammatory reaction.
- Thyroid studies: Increased thyroid activity suggests thyroid hyperactivity as precipitator of HF.
Nursing Priorities
- Improve myocardial contractility/systemic perfusion.
- Reduce fluid volume overload.
- Prevent complications.
- Provide information about disease/prognosis, therapy needs, and prevention of recurrences.
Discharge Goals
- Cardiac output adequate for individual needs.
- Complications prevented/resolved.
- Optimum level of activity/functioning attained.
- Disease process/prognosis and therapeutic regimen understood.
- Plan in place to meet needs after discharge.
Nursing Care Plans
Decreased Cardiac Output
NURSING DIAGNOSIS: Cardiac Output, decreased
May be related to
- Altered myocardial contractility/inotropic changes
- Alterations in rate, rhythm, electrical conduction
- Structural changes (e.g., valvular defects, ventricular aneurysm)
Possibly evidenced by
- Increased heart rate (tachycardia), dysrhythmias, ECG changes
- Changes in BP (hypotension/hypertension)
- Extra heart sounds (S3, S4)
- Decreased urine output
- Diminished peripheral pulses
- Cool, ashen skin; diaphoresis
- Orthopnea, crackles, JVD, liver engorgement, edema
- Chest pain
Desired Outcomes
Cardiac Pump Effectiveness (NOC)
- Display vital signs within acceptable limits, dysrhythmias absent/controlled,and no symptoms of failure (e.g., hemodynamic parameters within acceptable limits, urinary output adequate).
- Report decreased episodes of dyspnea, angina.
- Participate in activities that reduce cardiac workload.
| Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
| Auscultate apical pulse; assess heart rate, rhythm | Tachycardia is usually present (even at rest) to compensate for decreased ventricular contractility. Premature atrial contractions (PACs), paroxysmal atrial tachycardia (PAT), PVCs, multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT), and atrial fibrillation (AF) are common dysrhythmias associated with HF, although others may also occur. Note: Intractable ventricular dysrhythmias unresponsive to medication suggest ventricular aneurysm. |
| Note heart sounds. | S1 and S2 may be weak because of diminished pumping action. Gallop rhythms are common (S3 and S4), produced as blood flows into noncompliant/distended chambers. Murmurs may reflect valvular incompetence/stenosis. |
| Palpate peripheral pulses. | Decreased cardiac output may be reflected in diminished radial, popliteal, dorsalis pedis, and posttibial pulses. Pulses may be fleeting or irregular to palpation, and pulsus alternans (strong beat alternating with weak beat) may be present. |
| Monitor BP. | In early, moderate, or chronic HF, BP may be elevated because of increased SVR. In advanced HF, the body may no longer be able to compensate, and profound/irreversible hypotension may occur. |
| Inspect skin for pallor, cyanosis. | Pallor is indicative of diminished peripheral perfusion secondary to inadequate cardiac output, vasoconstriction, and anemia. Cyanosis may develop in refractory HF. Dependent areas are often blue or mottled as venous congestion increases. |
| Monitor urine output, noting decreasing output and dark/concentrated urine. | Kidneys respond to reduced cardiac output by retaining water and sodium. Urine output is usually decreased during the day because of fluid shifts into tissues but may be increased at night because fluid returns to circulation when patient is recumbent. |
| Note changes in sensorium, e.g., lethargy, confusion, disorientation, anxiety, and depression. | May indicate inadequate cerebral perfusion secondary to decreased cardiac output. |
| Encourage rest, semirecumbent in bed or chair. Assist with physical care as indicated. | Physical rest should be maintained during acute or refractory HF to improve efficiency of cardiac contraction and to decrease myocardial oxygen demand/consumption and workload. |
| Provide quiet environment; explain medical/nursing management; help patient avoid stressful situations; listen/respond to expressions of feelings/fears. | Psychological rest helps reduce emotional stress, which can produce vasoconstriction, elevating BP and increasing heart rate/work. |
| Provide bedside commode. Have patient avoid activities eliciting a vasovagal response, e.g., straining during defecation, holding breath during position changes. | Commode use decreases work of getting to bathroom or struggling to use bedpan. Vasovagal maneuver causes vagal stimulation followed by rebound tachycardia, which further compromises cardiac function/output. |
| Elevate legs, avoiding pressure under knee. Encourage active/passive exercises. Increase ambulation/activity as tolerated. | Decreases venous stasis, and may reduce incidence of thrombus/embolus formation. |
| Check for calf tenderness; diminished pedal pulse; swelling, local redness, or pallor of extremity. | Reduced cardiac output, venous pooling/stasis, and enforced bedrest increases risk of thrombophlebitis. |
| Withhold digitalis preparation as indicated, and notify physician if marked changes occur in cardiac rate or rhythm or signs of digitalis toxicity occur. | Incidence of toxicity is high (20%) because of narrow margin between therapeutic and toxic ranges. Digoxin may have to be discontinued in the presence of toxic drug levels, a slow heart rate, or low potassium level. |
| Administer supplemental oxygen as indicated. | Increases available oxygen for myocardial uptake to combat effects of hypoxia/ischemia. |
| Administer medications as indicated:Diuretics, e.g., furosemide (Lasix), ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), bumetanide (Bumex), spironolactone (Aldactone);Vasodilators, e.g., nitrates (Nitro-Dur, Isordil); arteriodilators, e.g., hydralazine (Apresoline); combination drugs, e.g., prazosin (Minipress);
ACE inhibitors, e.g., benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), lisinopril (Prinivil), enalapril (Vasotec), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), moexipril (Univasc);
Angiotensin II receptor antagonists, e.g., eprosartan (Teveten), ibesartan (Avopro), valsartan (Diovan);
Digoxin (Lanoxin);
Inotropic agents, e.g., amrinone (Inocor), milrinone (Primacor), vesnarinone (Arkin-Z);
Beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists, e.g., carvedilol (Coreg), bisoprolol (Zebeta), metoprolol (Lopressor);
Morphine sulfate;
Antianxiety agents/sedatives; Anticoagulants, e.g., low-dose heparin, warfarin (Coumadin). |
A variety of medications may be used to increase stroke volume, improve contractility, and reduce congestion.Diuretics, in conjunction with restriction of dietary sodium and fluids, often lead to clinical improvement in patients with stages I and II HF. In general, type and dosage of diuretic depend on cause and degree of HF and state of renal function. Preload reduction is most useful in treating patients with a relatively normal cardiac output accompanied by congestive symptoms. Loop diuretics block chloride reabsorption, thus interfering with the reabsorption of sodium and water.Vasodilators are the mainstay of treatment in HF and are used to increase cardiac output, reducing circulating volume (venodilators) and decreasing SVR, thereby reducing ventricular workload. Note: Parenteral vasodilators (e.g., Nitropress) are reserved for patients with severe HF or those unable to take oral medications.
ACE inhibitors represent first-line therapy to control heart failure by decreasing venticular filling pressures and SVR while increasing cardiac output with little or no change in BP and heart rate.
Antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects are attributable to selective blockade of AT1 (angiotensin II) receptors and angiotensin II synthesis.
Increases force of myocardial contraction when diminished contractility is the cause of HF, and slows heart rate by decreasing conduction velocity and prolonging refractory period of the atrioventricular (AV) junction to increase cardiac efficiency/output.
These medications are useful for short-term treatment of HF unresponsive to cardiac glycosides, vasodilators, and diuretics in order to increase myocardial contractility and produce vasodilation. Positive inotropic properties have reduced mortality rates 50% and improved quality of life.
Useful in the treatment of HF by blocking the cardiac effects of chronic adrenergic stimulation. Many patients experience improved activity tolerance and ejection fraction.
Decreases vascular resistance and venous return, reducing myocardial workload, especially when pulmonary congestion is present. Allays anxiety and breaks the feedback cycle of anxiety to catecholamine release to anxiety.
Promote rest/relaxation, reducing oxygen demand and myocardial workload. May be used prophylactically to prevent thrombusembolus formation in presence of risk factors such as venous stasis, enforced bedrest, cardiac dysrhythmias, and history of previous thrombolic episodes. |
| Administer IV solutions, restricting total amount as indicated. Avoid saline solutions. | May be used prophylactically to prevent thrombusembolus formation in presence of risk factors such as venous stasis, enforced bedrest, cardiac dysrhythmias, and history of previous thrombolic episodes. |
| Monitor/replace electrolytes. | Because of existing elevated left ventricular pressure, patient may not tolerate increased fluid volume (preload). Patients with HF also excrete less sodium, which causes fluid retention and increases myocardial workload. |
| Monitor serial ECG and chest x-ray changes. | Fluid shifts and use of diuretics can alter electrolytes (especially potassium and chloride), which affect cardiac rhythm and contractility. |
| Measure cardiac output and other functional parameters as indicated. | ST segment depression and T wave flattening can develop because of increased myocardial oxygen demand, even if no coronary artery disease is present. Chest x-ray may show enlarged heart and changes of pulmonary congestion. |
| Monitor laboratory studies, e.g., BUN, creatinine;Liver function studies (AST, LDH);
Prothrombin time (PT)/activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) coagulation studies. |
Cardiac index, preload/afterload, contractility, and cardiac work can be measured noninvasively by using thoracic electrical bioimpedance (TEB) technique. Useful in determining effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and response to activity.Elevation of BUN/creatinine reflects kidney hypoperfusion/failure.May be elevated because of liver congestion and indicate need for smaller dosages of medications that are detoxified by the liver.Measures changes in coagulation processes or effectiveness of anticoagulant therapy. |
| Prepare for insertion/maintain pacemaker, if indicated. | May be necessary to correct bradydysrhythmias unresponsive to drug intervention, which can aggravate congestive failure/produce pulmonary edema. |
| Prepare for surgery as indicated, e.g., valve replacement, angioplasty, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG);Cardiomyoplasty;
Transmyocardial revascularization. |
Heart failure due to ventricular aneurysm or valvular dysfunction may require aneurysmectomy or valve replacement to improve myocardial contractility/ function. Revascularization of cardiac muscle by CABG may be done to improve cardiac function.Cardiomyoplasty, an experimental procedure in which the latissimus dorsi muscle is wrapped around the heart and electrically stimulated to contract with each heartbeat, may be done to augment ventricular function while the patient is awaiting cardiac transplantation or when transplantation is not an option.Other new surgical techniques include transmyocardial revascularization (percutaneous [PTMR]) using CO2 laser technology, in which a laser is used to create multiple 1-mm diameter channels in viable but underperfused cardiac muscle. |
| Assist with/maintain mechanical circulatory support system, such as IABP or VAD, when indicated. | An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) may be inserted as a temporary support to the failing heart in the critically ill patient with potentially reversible HF. A battery-powered ventricular assist device (VAD) may also be used, positioned between the cardiac apex and the descending thoracic or abdominal aorta. This device receives blood from the left ventricle (LV) and ejects it into the systemic circulation, often allowing patient to resume a nearly normal lifestyle while awaiting heart transplantation. With end-stage HF, cardiac transplantation may be indicated. |
Activity Intolerance
NURSING DIAGNOSIS: Activity intolerance
May be related to
- Imbalance between oxygen supply/demand
- Generalized weakness
- Prolonged bedrest/immobility
Possibly evidenced by
- Weakness, fatigue
- Changes in vital signs, presence of dysrhythmias
- Dyspnea
- Pallor, diaphoresis
DESIRED OUTCOMES/EVALUATION CRITERIA—PATIENT WILL:
Endurance (NOC)
- Participate in desired activities; meet own self-care needs.
- Achieve measurable increase in activity tolerance, evidenced by reduced fatigue and weakness and by vital signs within acceptable limits during activity.
| Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
| Check vital signs before and immediately after activity, especially if patient is receiving vasodilators, diuretics, or beta-blockers. | Orthostatic hypotension can occur with activity because of medication effect (vasodilation), fluid shifts (diuresis), or compromised cardiac pumping function. |
| Document cardiopulmonary response to activity. Note tachycardia, dysrhythmias, dyspnea, diaphoresis, pallor. | Compromised myocardium/inability to increase stroke volume during activity may cause an immediate increase in heart rate and oxygen demands, thereby aggravating weakness and fatigue. |
| Assess for other precipitators/causes of fatigue, e.g., treatments, pain, medications. | Fatigue is a side effect of some medications (e.g., beta-blockers, tranquilizers, and sedatives). Pain and stressful regimens also extract energy and produce fatigue. |
| Evaluate accelerating activity intolerance. | May denote increasing cardiac decompensation rather than overactivity. |
| Provide assistance with self-care activities as indicated. Intersperse activity periods with rest periods. | Meets patient’s personal care needs without undue myocardial stress/excessive oxygen demand. |
| Implement graded cardiac rehabilitation/activity program. | Strengthens and improves cardiac function under stress, if cardiac dysfunction is not irreversible. Gradual increase in activity avoids excessive myocardial workload and oxygen consumption. |
Excess Fluid Volume
NURSING DIAGNOSIS: Fluid Volume excess
May be related to
- Reduced glomerular filtration rate (decreased cardiac output)/increased antidiuretic hormone (ADH) production, and sodium/water retention
Possibly evidenced by
- Orthopnea, S3 heart sound
- Oliguria, edema, JVD, positive hepatojugular reflex
- Weight gain
- Hypertension
- Respiratory distress, abnormal breath sounds
Desired Outcomes
Fluid Balance (NOC)
- Demonstrate stabilized fluid volume with balanced intake and output, breath sounds clear/clearing, vital signs within acceptable range, stable weight, and absence of edema.
- Verbalize understanding of individual dietary/fluid restrictions.
| Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
| Monitor urine output, noting amount and color, as well as time of day when diuresis occurs. | Urine output may be scanty and concentrated (especially during the day) because of reduced renal perfusion. Recumbency favors diuresis; therefore, urine output may be increased at night/during bedrest. |
| Monitor/calculate 24-hour intake and output (I&O) balance. | Diuretic therapy may result in sudden/excessive fluid loss (circulating hypovolemia), even though edema/ascites remains. |
| Maintain chair or bedrest in semi-Fowler’s position during acute phase. | Recumbency increases glomerular filtration and decreases production of ADH, thereby enhancing diuresis. |
| Establish fluid intake schedule if fluids are medically restricted, incorporating beverage preferences when possible. Give frequent mouth care/ice chips as part of fluid allotment. | Involving patient in therapy regimen may enhance sense of control and cooperation with restrictions. |
| Weigh daily. | Documents changes in/resolution of edema in response to therapy. A gain of 5 lb represents approximately 2 L of fluid. Conversely, diuretics can result in rapid/excessive fluid shifts and weight loss. |
| Assess for distended neck and peripheral vessels. Inspect dependent body areas for edema with/without pitting; note presence of generalized body edema (anasarca). | Excessive fluid retention may be manifested by venous engorgement and edema formation. Peripheral edema begins in feet/ankles (or dependent areas) and ascends as failure worsens. Pitting edema is generally obvious only after retention of at least 10 lb of fluid. Increased vascular congestion (associated with RHF) eventually results in systemic tissue edema. |
| Change position frequently. Elevate feet when sitting. Inspect skin surface, keep dry, and provide padding as indicated. | Edema formation, slowed circulation, altered nutritional intake, and prolonged immobility/bedrest are cumulative stressors that affect skin integrity and require close supervision/preventive interventions. |
| Auscultate breath sounds, noting decreased and/or adventitious sounds, e.g., crackles, wheezes. Note presence of increased dyspnea, tachypnea, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, persistent cough. | Excess fluid volume often leads to pulmonary congestion. Symptoms of pulmonary edema may reflect acute left-sided HF. RHF’s respiratory symptoms (dyspnea, cough, orthopnea) may have slower onset but are more difficult to reverse. |
| Investigate reports of sudden extreme dyspnea/air hunger, need to sit straight up, sensation of suffocation, feelings of panic or impending doom. | May indicate development of complications (pulmonary edema/embolus) and differs from orthopnea paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea in that it develops much more rapidly and requires immediate intervention. |
| Monitor BP and central venous pressure (CVP) | Hypertension and elevated CVP suggest fluid volume excess and may reflect developing/increasing pulmonary congestion, HF. |
| Assess bowel sounds. Note complaints of anorexia, nausea, abdominal distension, constipation. | Visceral congestion (occurring in progressive HF) can alter gastric/intestinal function. |
| Provide small, frequent, easily digestible meals. | Reduced gastric motility can adversely affect digestion and absorption. Small, frequent meals may enhance digestion/prevent abdominal discomfort. |
| Measure abdominal girth, as indicated. | In progressive RHF, fluid may shift into the peritoneal space, causing increasing abdominal girth (ascites). |
| Encourage verbalization of feelings regarding limitations. | Expression of feelings/concerns may decrease stress/anxiety, which is an energy drain that can contribute to feelings of fatigue. |
| Palpate abdomen. Note reports of right upper quadrant pain/tenderness. | Advancing HF leads to venous congestion, resulting in abdominal distension, liver engorgement (hepatomegaly), and pain. This can alter liver function and impair/prolong drug metabolism. |
| Administer medications as indicated:Diuretics, e.g., furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex)Thiazides with potassium-sparing agents, e.g., spironolactone (Aldactone)
Potassium supplements, e.g., K-Dur |
Signs of potassium and sodium deficits that may occur because of fluid shifts and diuretic therapy.Increases rate of urine flow and may inhibit reabsorption of sodium/chloride in the renal tubules.Promotes diuresis without excessive potassium losses.
Replaces potassium that is lost as a common side effect of diuretic therapy, which can adversely affect cardiac function. |
| Maintain fluid/sodium restrictions as indicated. | Reduces total body water/prevents fluid reaccumulation. |
| Consult with dietitian. | May be necessary to provide diet acceptable to patient that meets caloric needs within sodium restriction. |
| Monitor chest x-ray. | Reveals changes indicative of increase/resolution of pulmonary congestion. |
| Assist with rotating tourniquets/phlebotomy, dialysis, or ultrafiltration as indicated. | Although not frequently used, mechanical fluid removal rapidly reduces circulating volume, especially in pulmonary edema refractory to other therapies |
Impaired Gas Exchange
NURSING DIAGNOSIS: Gas Exchange, risk for impaired
Risk factors may include
- Alveolar-capillary membrane changes, e.g., fluid collection/shifts into interstitial space/alveoli
Possibly evidenced by
- [Not applicable; presence of signs and symptoms establishes an actual diagnosis.]
Desired Outcomes
Respiratory Status: Gas Exchange (NOC)
- Demonstrate adequate ventilation and oxygenation of tissues by ABGs/oximetry within patient’s normal ranges and free of symptoms of respiratory distress.
- Participate in treatment regimen within level of ability/situation.
| Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
| Auscultate breath sounds, noting crackles, wheezes. | Reveals presence of pulmonary congestion/collection of secretions, indicating need for further intervention. |
| Instruct patient in effective coughing, deep breathing. | Clears airways and facilitates oxygen delivery. |
| Encourage frequent position changes. | Helps prevent atelectasis and pneumonia. |
| Maintain chair/bedrest, with head of bed elevated 20–30 degrees, semi-Fowler’s position. Support arms with pillows. | Reduces oxygen consumption/demands and promotes maximal lung inflation. |
| Monitor/graph serial ABGs, pulse oximetry. | Hypoxemia can be severe during pulmonary edema. Compensatory changes are usually present in chronic HF. Note: In patients with abnormal cardiac index, research suggests pulse oximeter measurements may exceed actual oxygen saturation by up to 7%. |
| Administer supplemental oxygen as indicated. | Increases alveolar oxygen concentration, which may correct/reduce tissue hypoxemia. |
| Administer medications as indicated:Diuretics, e.g., furosemide (Lasix)Bronchodilators, e.g., aminophylline | Reduces alveolar congestion, enhancing gas exchange.Increases oxygen delivery by dilating small airways, and exerts mild diuretic effect to aid in reducing pulmonary congestion. |
Impaired Skin Integrity
NURSING DIAGNOSIS: Skin Integrity, risk for impaired
Risk factors may include
- Prolonged bedrest
- Edema, decreased tissue perfusion
Possibly evidenced by
- [Not applicable; presence of signs and symptoms establishes an actual diagnosis.]
Desired Outcomes
Tissue Perfusion: Peripheral (NOC)
- Maintain skin integrity.
- Demonstrate behaviors/techniques to prevent skin breakdown.
| Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
| Inspect skin, noting skeletal prominences, presence of edema, areas of altered circulation/pigmentation, or obesity/emaciation. | Skin is at risk because of impaired peripheral circulation, physical immobility, and alterations in nutritional status. |
| Provide gentle massage around reddened or blanched areas. | Improves blood flow, minimizing tissue hypoxia. Note:Direct massage of compromised area may cause tissue injury. |
| Encourage frequent position changes in bed/chair, assist with active/passive range of motion (ROM) exercises. | Reduces pressure on tissues, improving circulation and reducing time any one area is deprived of full blood flow. |
| Provide frequent skin care; minimize contact with moisture/excretions. | Excessive dryness or moisture damages skin and hastens breakdown. |
| Check fit of shoes/slippers and change as needed. | Dependent edema may cause shoes to fit poorly, increasing risk of pressure and skin breakdown on feet. |
| Avoid intramuscular route for medication. | Interstitial edema and impaired circulation impede drug absorption and predispose to tissue breakdown/ development of infection. |
| Provide alternating pressure/egg-crate mattress, sheep skin elbow/heel protectors. | Reduces pressure to skin, may improve circulation. |
Knowledge Deficit
NURSING DIAGNOSIS: Knowledge, deficient [Learning Need] regarding condition, treatment regimen, self care, and discharge needs
May be related to
- Lack of understanding/misconceptions about interrelatedness of cardiac function/disease/failure
Possibly evidenced by
- Questioning
- Statements of concern/misconceptions
- Recurrent, preventable episodes of HF
Desired Outcomes
Knowledge: Disease Process (NOC)
- Identify relationship of ongoing therapies (treatment program) to reduction of recurrent episodes and prevention of complications.
- List signs/symptoms that require immediate intervention.
- Identify own stress/risk factors and some techniques for handling.
- Initiate necessary lifestyle/behavioral changes.
| Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
| Discuss normal heart function. Include information regarding patient’s variance from normal function. Explain difference between heart attack and HF. | Knowledge of disease process and expectations can facilitate adherence to prescribed treatment regimen. |
| Reinforce treatment rationale. Include SO/family members in teaching as appropriate, especially for complicated regimens such as dobutamine infusion home therapy when patient does not respond to customary combination therapy or cannot be weaned from dobutamine, or those awaiting heart transplant. | Patient may believe it is acceptable to alter postdischarge regimen when feeling well and symptom-free or when feeling below par, which can increase the risk of exacerbation of symptoms. Understanding of regimen, medications, and restrictions may augment cooperation with control of symptoms. Home IV therapy requires a significant commitment by caregivers to operate/troubleshoot infusion pump, change dressing for peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line, monitor I&O and signs/symptoms of HF. |
| Encourage developing a regular home exercise program, and provide guidelines for sexual activity. | Promotes maintenance of muscle tone and organ function for overall sense of well-being. Changing sexual habits may be difficult (e.g., sex in morning when well rested, patient on top, inclusion of other physical expressions of affection) but provides opportunity for continuing satisfying sexual relationship. |
| Discuss importance of being as active as possible without becoming exhausted and of rest between activities. | Excessive physical activity or overexertion can further weaken the heart, exacerbating failure, and necessitates adjustment of exercise program. |
| Discuss importance of sodium limitation. Provide list of sodium content of common foods that are to be avoided/limited. Encourage reading of labels on food and drug packages. | Dietary intake of sodium of more than 3 g/day can offset effect of diuretic. Most common source of sodium is table salt and obviously salty foods, although canned soups/vegetables, luncheon meats, and dairy products also may contain high levels of sodium. |
| Refer to dietitian for counseling specific to individual needs/dietary customs. | Identifies dietary needs, especially in presence of nausea/vomiting and resulting wasting syndrome (cardiac cachexia). Eating six small meals and using liquid dietary supplements and vitamin supplements can limit inappropriate weight loss. |
| Review medications, purpose, and side effects. Provide both oral and written instructions. | Understanding therapeutic needs and importance of prompt reporting of side effects can prevent occurrence of drug-related complications. Anxiety may block comprehension of input or details, and patient/SO may refer to written material at later date to refresh memory. |
| Recommend taking diuretic early in morning. | Provides adequate time for drug effect before bedtime to prevent/limit interruption of sleep. |
| Instruct and receive return demonstration of ability to take and record daily pulse and blood pressure and when to notify healthcare provider, e.g., parameters above/below preset rate, changes in rhythm/regularity. | Promotes self-monitoring of condition/drug effect. Early detection of changes allows for timely intervention and may prevent complications, such as digitalis toxicity. |
| Explain and discuss patient’s role in control of risk factors (e.g., smoking) and precipitating or aggravating factors (e.g., high-salt diet, inactivity/overexertion, exposure to extremes in temperature). | Adds to body of knowledge, and permits patient to make informed decisions regarding control of condition and prevention of recurrence/complications. Smoking potentiates vasoconstriction; sodium intake promotes water retention/edema formation; improper balance between activity and rest and exposure to temperature extremes may result in exhaustion/increased myocardial workload and increased risk of respiratory infections. Alcohol can depress cardiac contractility. Limitation of alcohol use to social occasions or maximum of 1 drink/day may be tolerated unless cardiomyopathy is alcohol-induced (requiring complete abstinence). |
| Review signs/symptoms that require immediate medical attention, e.g., rapid/significant weight gain, edema, shortness of breath, increased fatigue, cough, hemoptysis, fever. | Self-monitoring increases patient responsibility in health maintenance and aids in prevention of complications, e.g., pulmonary edema, pneumonia. Weight gain of more than 3 lb in a week requires medical evaluation/adjustment of diuretic therapy.Note: Patient should weigh self daily in morning without clothing, after voiding and before eating. |
| Provide opportunities for patient/SO to ask questions, discuss concerns, and make necessary lifestyle changes. | Chronicity and recurrent/debilitating nature of HF often exhausts coping abilities and supportive capacity of both patient and SO, leading to depression. |
| Discuss general health risks (such as infection), recommending avoidance of crowds and individuals with respiratory infections, obtaining yearly influenza immunization and one-time pneumonia immunization. | This population is at increased risk for infection because of circulatory compromise. |
| Stress importance of reporting signs/symptoms of digitalis toxicity, e.g., development of gastrointestinal (GI) and visual disturbances, changes in pulse rate/rhythm, worsening of heart failure. | Early recognition of developing complications and involvement of healthcare provider may prevent toxicity/hospitalization. |
| Identify community resources/support groups and visiting home health nurse as indicated. | May need additional assistance with self-monitoring/home management, especially when HF is progressive. |
| Discuss importance of advance directives and of communicating plan/wishes to family and primary care providers. | Up to 50% of all deaths from heart failure are sudden, with many occurring at home, possibly without significant worsening of symptoms. If patient chooses to refuse life-support measures, an alternative contact person (rather than 911) needs to be designated, should cardiac arrest occur. |
Other Nursing Care Plans
- Activity intolerance—poor cardiac reserve, side effects of medication, generalized weakness.
- Fluid Volume excess or deficient—changes in glomerular filtration rate, diuretic use, individual fluid/salt intake.
- Skin Integrity, impaired—decreased activity level, prolonged sitting, presence of edema, altered circulation.
- Therapeutic Regimen: ineffective management—complexity of regimen, economic limitations.
- Home Maintenance, impaired—chronic/debilitating condition, insufficient finances, inadequate support systems.
- Self-Care deficit—decreased strength/endurance, depression.
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