Lesson 1Clinical signs like neck vein swelling, lung crackles, sleeping upright, leg swelling — body explanationsConnects typical heart failure signs to body processes, helping nurses understand neck vein swelling, lung crackles, sleeping upright, and leg swelling, and tell right-side from left-side problems.
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 scans. Stresses reading them, changes over time, and what nurses need 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 machine treatments: oxygen, less fluid/salt, CPAP/BiPAP, blood filtering, devices and body effectsLooks at non-drug and device treatments like oxygen, cutting fluid and salt, CPAP/BiPAP, blood filtering, and heart devices, 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 weakness vs stiff heart, lung fluid, shock developmentLooks at causes of sudden bad heart failure, comparing pump weakness and stiff heart, lung fluid build-up, and move to shock. Points out early warnings 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 signs in heart failure: reading BP, pulse, oxygen level, neck vein pressureShows how heart failure changes blood pressure, pulse, oxygen in blood, and neck vein pressure. Helps nurses track changes, spot early worsening, and match 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 sudden triggers: blocked blood flow, irregular beats, infection, high BP, missing meds and body impactLists common triggers for worsening like blocked blood, irregular beats, infection, high BP, skipping meds, and 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 pump factors: stretch before pump, resistance after, squeeze strength, pulse rate, stretch-pump lawReviews heart pump factors and how stretch before, resistance after, squeeze, and pulse interact in failure. Explains stretch-pump 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, BP meds/blocks, heart slowers, openers, strengtheners — how they work and effectsExplains why certain drugs for heart failure, focusing on how they work, blood flow effects, symptom ease, and life benefits. Stresses nurse watching, no-gos, and 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, and wiring system, linking parts to work. Shows how faults lead to failure and guide 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: salt system, stress nerves, water hormones, body irritantsExplains body hormone overdrive in failure, like salt system, stress nerves, water hormones, irritants. Links to fluid hold, changes, drug targets.
RAAS activation and fluid retentionSympathetic overactivity and tachycardiaNatriuretic peptides and diagnostic valueCytokines, remodeling, and cachexiaNeurohormonal blockade as therapy goal
