Lesson 1Clinical signs like neck vein swelling, lung crackles, breathing trouble lying flat, leg swelling — body explanationsConnects heart failure signs to body processes, aiding nurses to read neck vein swelling, lung crackles, breathing trouble lying flat, leg swelling, and tell right from left heart issues.
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 2Lab and scan markers: BNP/NT-proBNP, salts, chest X-ray, heart scan results and reading themCovers main lab and scan tests for heart failure like heart stress hormones, salts, chest X-ray, heart scans. Stresses reading them, changes over time, and nurse roles in 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 3Non-drug and device treatments: oxygen, fluid/salt limits, CPAP/BiPAP, water removal, implant devices effects on bodyLooks at non-drug and device treatments like oxygen, fluid and salt limits, CPAP/BiPAP, water removal, implants, 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 4Sudden worsening heart failure causes: pump vs filling issues, lung fluid, shock developmentLooks at sudden worsening heart failure causes, pump vs filling problems, lung fluid, shock steps. Notes early signs and quick nurse actions.
Systolic dysfunction and reduced ejection fractionDiastolic dysfunction and impaired relaxationPathophysiology of acute pulmonary edemaCardiogenic shock: stages and hemodynamicsInitial stabilization and escalation criteriaLesson 5Blood flow and vital changes in heart failure: reading blood pressure, pulse, oxygen level, vein pressureShows how heart failure changes blood pressure, pulse, oxygen, vein pressure. Helps nurses track changes, spot early worsening, link vitals 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 6Problems and triggers: poor blood flow, irregular beats, infection, high blood pressure, missing meds and body impactsLists common worsening triggers like poor blood flow, irregular beats, infection, high pressure, missing meds, explains body effects and prevention.
Myocardial ischemia and infarction effectsArrhythmias and loss of atrial kickInfection, sepsis, and fluid shiftsHypertensive crisis and afterload surgeMedication nonadherence and patient educationLesson 7Heart output factors: filling volume, resistance, squeeze strength, pulse rate, stretch lawReviews heart output factors and how filling, resistance, squeeze, pulse work in failure. Explains stretch law and 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 8Drug treatment reasons: water pills, blood vessel relaxers/blocks, heart slowers, widener drugs, strength boosters — actions and effectsLooks at why drug types for heart failure, actions, blood flow effects, symptom ease, survival gains. Stresses nurse watch, no-gos, patient teaching.
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 9Heart parts and wiring: rooms, doors, blood supply, electric paths basicsCovers heart rooms, doors, blood supply, wiring, links parts 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 10Body hormone responses in heart failure: pressure system, nerve boost, stress hormones, body signalsExplains body hormone boosts in failure, pressure system, nerve system, stress hormones, signals. Links to fluid hold, changes, drug aims.
RAAS activation and fluid retentionSympathetic overactivity and tachycardiaNatriuretic peptides and diagnostic valueCytokines, remodeling, and cachexiaNeurohormonal blockade as therapy goal
