Lesson 1Clinical correlates: jugular venous distention, pulmonary crackles, orthopnea, peripheral edema — physiological explanationsConnects typical heart failure signs to body processes, helping nurses understand neck vein swelling, lung crackles, difficulty breathing when lying flat, and leg swelling, and tell apart right- from left-side 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 interpretationCovers main lab and scan tests for heart failure, like heart stress hormones, salts in blood, chest films, and heart ultrasounds. Focuses on 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 machines, fluid removal, 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 progressionExamines sudden worsening heart failure processes, 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 affects blood pressure, pulse, oxygen levels, and vein pressure. Helps nurses track patterns, spot early worsening, and match vital changes 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 common triggers for heart failure flares like poor blood flow, irregular beats, infections, high blood pressure, and skipping meds, explaining body impacts and prevention tips.
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 pumping and how filling pressure, resistance, squeeze strength, and rate interplay in failure. Covers the stretch-pump link and nurse ways to improve these.
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 drugs treat heart failure, their body actions, flow effects, symptom easing, and life benefits. Stresses nurse checks, warnings, 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 9Cardiac structure and conduction: chambers, valves, coronary circulation, and electrical conduction basicsDescribes heart rooms, flaps, blood supply, and electric paths, tying build to work. Notes how structure or wiring 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 cytokinesDetails body hormone overdrive in failure, like pressure-salt system, stress nerves, leak hormones, and swell signals. Ties to fluid 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
