Lesson 1Clinical correlates: jugular venous distention, pulmonary crackles, orthopnoea, peripheral oedema — physiological explanationsLinks classic heart failure signs to underlying physiology, helping nurses interpret jugular venous distention, pulmonary crackles, orthopnoea, and peripheral oedema, and distinguish right- from left-sided involvement.
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 interpretationDescribes key laboratory and imaging tests used in heart failure, including natriuretic peptides, electrolytes, chest X-ray, and echocardiography. Emphasises interpretation, trends, and nursing implications for care planning.
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 physiologyReviews nonpharmacologic and device-based therapies such as oxygen, fluid and sodium restriction, CPAP/BiPAP, ultrafiltration, and implantable devices, focusing on physiologic effects and nursing responsibilities.
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 progressionExplores mechanisms of acute decompensated heart failure, contrasting systolic and diastolic dysfunction, pulmonary congestion, and progression to cardiogenic shock. Highlights early warning signs and urgent nursing actions.
Systolic dysfunction and reduced ejection fractionDiastolic dysfunction and impaired relaxationPathophysiology of acute pulmonary edemaCardiogenic shock: stages and hemodynamicsInitial stabilization and escalation criteriaLesson 5Haemodynamics and vital sign changes in heart failure: interpreting BP, HR, SpO2, and central venous pressureDetails how heart failure alters blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and central venous pressure. Guides nurses in trend analysis, early recognition of decompensation, and correlating vital sign changes with clinical status.
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: ischaemia, arrhythmia, infection, uncontrolled hypertension, medication nonadherence and their pathophysiologic impactIdentifies common precipitants of decompensation, including ischaemia, arrhythmias, infection, uncontrolled hypertension, and medication nonadherence, and explains their pathophysiologic impact and prevention strategies.
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 determinants of cardiac output and how preload, afterload, contractility, and heart rate interact in heart failure. Explains the Frank-Starling mechanism and how nurses can optimise these factors through interventions.
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 effectsExplores why specific drug classes are used in heart failure, focusing on mechanisms, haemodynamic effects, symptom relief, and survival benefits. Emphasises nursing monitoring, contraindications, and patient 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 basicsCovers cardiac chambers, valves, coronary circulation, and the conduction system, linking structure to function. Highlights how anatomic or electrical abnormalities contribute to heart failure and guide nursing assessment.
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 cytokinesExplains neurohormonal activation in heart failure, including RAAS, sympathetic nervous system, natriuretic peptides, and inflammatory cytokines. Connects these pathways to fluid retention, remodelling, and drug targets.
RAAS activation and fluid retentionSympathetic overactivity and tachycardiaNatriuretic peptides and diagnostic valueCytokines, remodeling, and cachexiaNeurohormonal blockade as therapy goal
