Lesson 1Patient signs like neck vein swelling, lung crackles, hard breathing when lying down, leg swelling — body explanationsConnects common heart failure signs to body processes, helping nurses understand neck vein swelling, lung crackles, hard breathing when lying down, 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 2Blood tests and scans: BNP/NT-proBNP, salts, chest X-ray, heart scan results and how to read themDescribes main blood tests and scans for heart failure, like heart stress markers, salts, chest X-ray, and heart scans. Focuses on reading them, watching changes, and what nurses need to know for patient 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, water removal, and heart devices effects on bodyLooks at non-drug and machine treatments like oxygen, cutting fluid and salt, CPAP/BiPAP, water removal machines, 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 4Sudden bad heart failure causes: weak vs stiff heart pump, lung water build-up, and shock worseningLooks at causes of sudden bad heart failure, comparing weak and stiff heart pumping, lung water, and moving to shock. Points out early danger 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 signs in heart failure: reading blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen level, and neck vein pressureShows how heart failure changes blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen in blood, and neck vein pressure. Helps nurses track changes, spot early worsening, and match signs 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 6Problems and sudden triggers: blocked blood flow, irregular beats, infection, high blood pressure not controlled, missing medicines and body effectsFinds common causes of worsening, like blocked blood flow, irregular beats, infection, uncontrolled high blood pressure, and not taking medicines, and explains 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 7Heart pump strength factors: blood fill, blood push-back, squeeze power, heart rate, and stretch-pump ruleReviews what controls heart pump strength and how blood fill, push-back, squeeze, and rate work in heart failure. Explains stretch-pump rule and how nurses can improve these with care.
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, wide-open vessels, pump boosters — how they work and expected resultsLooks at why certain drugs are used in heart failure, their body effects, symptom easing, and life-saving benefits. Stresses nurse watching, no-go situations, and teaching patients 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 parts and electric flow: rooms, doors, blood supply paths, and electric signal basicsCovers heart rooms, doors, blood supply, and electric system, linking build to work. Shows how body or electric problems lead to heart 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 chemical responses in heart failure: blood salt system, nerve speed-up, water markers, and body fightersExplains body chemical start-up in heart failure, including blood salt system, nerve speed, water markers, and fighter chemicals. Links to water hold, heart change, and drug targets.
RAAS activation and fluid retentionSympathetic overactivity and tachycardiaNatriuretic peptides and diagnostic valueCytokines, remodeling, and cachexiaNeurohormonal blockade as therapy goal
