Lesson 1Clinical correlates: jugular venous distention, pulmonary crackles, orthopnea, peripheral edema — physiological explanationsConnects heart failure signs like neck vein swelling, lung crackles, lying flat breathing trouble, and leg swelling to body processes, aiding nurses to spot right or left heart issues clearly.
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 interpretationCovers main blood tests and scans for heart failure like heart stress hormones, salts, lung films, and heart echoes. Focuses on reading results, changes over time, 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 helps like air support, less fluid and salt, breathing machines, blood filtering, and heart devices, stressing body effects and nurse duties in local settings.
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 heart failure worsening, comparing pump weakness vs stiff heart, lung fluid buildup, and shock development. 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 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 common worsening causes like poor blood flow, irregular beats, germs, high pressure, and skipped meds, explaining body harm and stop measures.
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 heart pump factors like fill volume, resistance, squeeze strength, beats per minute, and stretch law, showing nurse ways to improve 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 drug choices for heart failure, their body actions, flow effects, symptom ease, and life benefits. Stresses nurse watch, no-go cases, and patient lessons.
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 flow, 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 alarms in heart failure like salt system, stress nerves, fluid balancers, and swell makers. Links to water hold, reshape, and med targets.
RAAS activation and fluid retentionSympathetic overactivity and tachycardiaNatriuretic peptides and diagnostic valueCytokines, remodeling, and cachexiaNeurohormonal blockade as therapy goal
