Heart Failure

Tom Wilson is a patient currently in the hospital. He suffers from COPD and Congestive Heart Failure. Even though he faces challenges with his health, Tom remains optimistic and determined. Tom finds comfort in spending time with his family and friends. He has 5 children that he loves dearly, 2 sons and 3 daughters.

Inpatient Hospital Room

1. Perform a focused cardiovascular and respiratory assessment of a patient with heart failure, including lung sounds, edema, jugular vein distention (JVD), and weight changes.
2. Recognize clinical signs of fluid overload and worsening heart failure, such as dyspnea, orthopnea, crackles, fatigue, tachycardia, decreased oxygen saturation, and weight gain.
3. Administer prescribed medications safely, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and oxygen therapy.
4. Monitor intake and output, daily weights, vital signs, and lab values (e.g., BNP, potassium, creatinine).
5. Provide patient education on sodium and fluid restrictions, daily weight monitoring, medication adherence, and symptom reporting.
6. Communicate changes in condition effectively to the healthcare team using structured tools such as SBAR.
7. Document assessments, interventions, and education accurately in the EMR or simulation chart.

1. Identify signs of fluid retention and cardiopulmonary compromise in a patient with HF.
2. Administer diuretics and other HF medications as ordered and assess for effectiveness or side effects (e.g., hypokalemia, hypotension).
3. Measure and interpret fluid balance (I&Os) and weight trends to guide clinical decisions.
4. Provide clear patient teaching on HF self-management strategies.
5. Use therapeutic communication to reduce patient anxiety and improve understanding of long-term HF management.
6. Document nursing care using appropriate terminology and recognize when to notify the provider.