Lesson 1Clinical correlates: jugular venous distention, pulmonary crackles, orthopnea, peripheral edema — physiological explanationsConnects typical heart failure signs to their root causes, aiding nurses to understand neck vein swelling, lung crackles, difficulty breathing when lying flat, and leg swelling, and tell apart right- and 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 2Laboratory and imaging markers: BNP/NT-proBNP, electrolytes, chest X-ray, echocardiography findings and interpretationOutlines main lab and scan tests for heart failure, like heart stress hormones, salts in blood, chest films, and heart ultrasounds. Stresses reading results, tracking changes, and what they mean for nursing 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 and machine treatments like oxygen, cutting fluids and salt, breathing masks, fluid removal, and implanted devices, with focus 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 4Acute decompensated heart failure mechanisms: systolic vs diastolic dysfunction, pulmonary congestion, and cardiogenic shock progressionExamines sudden heart failure worsening, comparing pumping vs filling problems, lung fluid buildup, and slide to shock. Points out early alerts and quick nurse responses.
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 decline, and match vitals to patient condition.
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 usual triggers for heart worsening like poor blood flow, irregular beats, infections, high blood pressure, and skipping meds, explaining body impacts and prevention steps.
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 factors setting heart pump strength and how filling pressure, resistance, squeeze power, and rate interplay in failure. Covers stretch mechanism 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 8Pharmacologic management rationale: loop diuretics, ACE inhibitors/ARBs, beta-blockers, vasodilators, inotropes — mechanisms and expected effectsExplains reasons for heart failure drugs, their actions, blood flow effects, symptom easing, and life benefits. Stresses nurse checks, warnings, and patient advice 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 basicsDetails heart rooms, flaps, blood supply paths, and electric wiring, tying build to work. Notes 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 surges in failure like blood pressure system, stress nerves, fluid balancers, and swelling signals. Links to water hold, heart reshape, and drug aims.
RAAS activation and fluid retentionSympathetic overactivity and tachycardiaNatriuretic peptides and diagnostic valueCytokines, remodeling, and cachexiaNeurohormonal blockade as therapy goal
