Lesson 1Clinical correlates: jugular venous distention, pulmonary crackles, orthopnea, peripheral edema — physiological explanationsConnects common heart failure signs to body processes, helping nurses make sense of neck vein swelling, lung crackles, shortness of breath lying flat, and leg swelling, and tell right-side from left-side 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 2Laboratory and imaging markers: BNP/NT-proBNP, electrolytes, chest X-ray, echocardiography findings and interpretationLooks at main blood tests and scans for heart failure, like heart stress markers, salts in blood, chest films, and heart echoes. Focuses on reading results, watching changes, and what nurses need to know for patient care.
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 physiologyGoes over non-drug treatments and machines like oxygen, cutting fluids and salt, breathing masks, blood filtering, and implanted devices, stressing 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 progressionLooks into sudden worsening heart failure, comparing pump weakness and stiff heart issues, lung fluid buildup, and slide to shock. Points out early signs 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 messes with blood pressure, pulse, oxygen levels, and vein pressure. Helps nurses track patterns, spot early trouble, 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 impactNames common triggers for worsening like poor blood flow, irregular beats, infections, high blood pressure not controlled, and skipping meds, explaining body effects and how to stop them.
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 what controls heart pump strength and how filling pressure, resistance, squeeze power, and beats work together in failure. Covers body balance law and nurse ways to help.
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 why certain meds fit heart failure, their body actions, flow effects, symptom ease, and life benefits. Stresses nurse watching, no-go situations, and teaching patients safely.
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 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 cytokinesExplains body hormone and nerve reactions in failure, like pressure system, stress response, fluid balancers, and swelling signals. Links to water hold, heart reshape, and med targets.
RAAS activation and fluid retentionSympathetic overactivity and tachycardiaNatriuretic peptides and diagnostic valueCytokines, remodeling, and cachexiaNeurohormonal blockade as therapy goal
