Lesson 1Clinical correlates: jugular venous distention, pulmonary crackles, orthopnea, peripheral edema — physiological explanationsConnects typical heart failure signs to body processes, aiding nurses to read neck vein swelling, lung crackles, shortness of breath lying flat, and leg swelling, and tell right-side from left-side heart problems.
Jugular venous distention and right-sided loadPulmonary crackles and alveolar fluidOrthopnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspneaPeripheral edema and venous hydrostatic pressureRight versus left heart failure manifestationsLesson 2Laboratory and imaging markers: BNP/NT-proBNP, electrolytes, chest X-ray, echocardiography findings and interpretationOutlines main blood tests and scans for heart failure, like heart stress markers, salts in blood, lung X-rays, and heart ultrasounds. Stresses reading results, tracking changes, and what they mean for nurse care plans.
BNP and NT-proBNP: interpretation and limitsElectrolyte disturbances and diuretic therapyChest X-ray signs of pulmonary congestionEchocardiographic assessment of ejection fractionValvular and structural findings on echoLesson 3Nonpharmacologic and device interventions: oxygen therapy, fluid/salt restriction, CPAP/BiPAP, ultrafiltration, and implantable devices impact on physiologyLooks at non-drug and machine treatments like oxygen, cutting fluids and salt, breathing masks, fluid removal, and heart devices, focusing on body effects and nurse duties.
Oxygen therapy goals and titrationFluid and sodium restriction strategiesCPAP and BiPAP in pulmonary congestionUltrafiltration for refractory volume overloadICDs and CRT devices in heart failure careLesson 4Acute decompensated heart failure mechanisms: systolic vs diastolic dysfunction, pulmonary congestion, and cardiogenic shock progressionExamines sudden worsening heart failure processes, comparing pumping weakness and filling issues, lung fluid buildup, and slide to shock. Notes early alerts and quick nurse steps.
Systolic dysfunction and reduced ejection fractionDiastolic dysfunction and impaired relaxationPathophysiology of acute pulmonary edemaCardiogenic shock: stages and hemodynamicsInitial stabilization and escalation criteriaLesson 5Hemodynamics and vital sign changes in heart failure: interpreting BP, HR, SpO2, and central venous pressureShows how heart failure shifts blood pressure, pulse, oxygen levels, and vein pressure. Helps nurses track patterns, spot early worsening, and match vital signs to patient state.
Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressureHeart rate patterns and compensatory tachycardiaSpO2 trends and implications for oxygen deliveryCentral venous pressure and volume statusIntegrating vital signs with clinical assessmentLesson 6Complications and acute triggers: ischemia, arrhythmia, infection, uncontrolled hypertension, medication nonadherence and their pathophysiologic impactLists usual triggers of heart worsening like poor blood flow, irregular beats, infections, high blood pressure, and skipping meds, explaining body effects and prevention ways.
Myocardial ischemia and infarction effectsArrhythmias and loss of atrial kickInfection, sepsis, and fluid shiftsHypertensive crisis and afterload surgeMedication nonadherence and patient educationLesson 7Cardiac output determinants: preload, afterload, contractility, heart rate, and Frank-Starling mechanismReviews factors setting heart pump strength and how filling pressure, resistance, squeeze power, and beats interplay in failure. Covers stretch law and nurse ways to balance them.
Defining cardiac output and cardiac indexPreload: venous return and ventricular fillingAfterload: systemic vascular resistance effectsMyocardial contractility and inotropic stateFrank-Starling curve and clinical implicationsLesson 8Pharmacologic management rationale: loop diuretics, ACE inhibitors/ARBs, beta-blockers, vasodilators, inotropes — mechanisms and expected effectsExplains reasons for heart drugs, their body actions, flow effects, symptom ease, and life benefits. Stresses nurse watch, no-go cases, and teaching for safe use.
Loop diuretics: action, dosing, and monitoringACE inhibitors and ARBs: benefits and risksEvidence-based beta-blockers in heart failureVasodilators and afterload reduction strategiesInotropes: indications, titration, and safetyLesson 9Cardiac structure and conduction: chambers, valves, coronary circulation, and electrical conduction basicsDetails heart rooms, flaps, blood supply paths, and electric wiring, tying build to work. Shows how faults lead to failure and shape nurse checks.
Anatomy of atria and ventricles in circulationValve structure, function, and common lesionsCoronary artery supply and myocardial perfusionSA node, AV node, and His-Purkinje systemConduction abnormalities relevant to heart failureLesson 10Neurohormonal responses in heart failure: RAAS, sympathetic activation, natriuretic peptides, and cytokinesCovers body hormone surges in failure like pressure system, stress nerves, fluid markers, and swell signals. Links to water hold, reshape, and drug aims.
RAAS activation and fluid retentionSympathetic overactivity and tachycardiaNatriuretic peptides and diagnostic valueCytokines, remodeling, and cachexiaNeurohormonal blockade as therapy goal
