Lesson 1Clinical signs: neck vein swelling, lung crackles, breathlessness when lying flat, leg swelling — body process explanationsConnects typical heart failure signs to their root physiology, aiding nurses to understand neck vein swelling, lung crackles, breathlessness when lying flat, and leg swelling, and tell apart 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 2Lab and scan markers: BNP/NT-proBNP, salts, chest X-ray, echo findings and reading themCovers main lab and scan tests for heart failure, like heart stress hormones, salts, chest X-ray, and heart ultrasound. Stresses reading them, changes over time, and nursing tips for 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, fluid removal, implant devices and body effectsLooks at non-drug and device treatments like oxygen, fluid and salt curbs, CPAP/BiPAP, fluid removal, and heart 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 processes: pump vs filling issues, lung fluid build-up, shock developmentExamines processes of sudden heart failure worsening, comparing pump weakness and filling problems, lung fluid, and move to shock. Points out 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 5Blood flow and vital changes in heart failure: reading BP, pulse, oxygen levels, neck vein pressureExplains how heart failure changes blood pressure, pulse rate, oxygen saturation, and neck vein pressure. Helps nurses track patterns, spot early worsening, and match vital shifts 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: low blood flow, irregular beats, infection, high BP, missing meds and body impactsLists common worsening triggers like low blood flow, irregular heartbeats, infection, uncontrolled high BP, 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 7Heart output factors: filling volume, resistance, squeeze strength, rate, and stretch-pump linkReviews heart output factors and how filling volume, resistance, squeeze power, and rate work in heart failure. Covers stretch-pump link 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, BP meds/ARBs, heart rate slowers, vessel openers, heart boosters — actions and effectsLooks at why drug types suit heart failure, stressing actions, blood flow effects, symptom ease, and life benefits. Focuses on nurse checks, no-go cases, and patient tips 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 9Heart structure and wiring: rooms, flaps, blood supply paths, electric flow basicsCovers heart rooms, flaps, blood supply, and wiring system, linking build to work. Shows how structure or wiring faults lead to heart 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: blood pressure system, stress nerves, fluid hormones, body signalsExplains body hormone start-up in heart failure, covering blood pressure system, stress nerves, fluid hormones, and swelling signals. Links to fluid hold, reshaping, and drug aims.
RAAS activation and fluid retentionSympathetic overactivity and tachycardiaNatriuretic peptides and diagnostic valueCytokines, remodeling, and cachexiaNeurohormonal blockade as therapy goal
