Heart Failure Nursing Care Plan
1. Nursing Diagnosis #1
Decreased Cardiac Output
Definition
Inadequate blood pumped by the heart to meet the body's metabolic
needs.
Assessment
Subjective Data
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty performing daily activities
• Chest discomfort
Objective Data
• Tachycardia
• Hypotension
• Weak peripheral pulses
• Cyanosis
• Decreased urine output
• Crackles in lungs
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Goals / Expected Outcomes
Short-term goals:
• Patient will maintain adequate cardiac output
• Patient will show improved oxygenation
Long-term goals:
• Patient will demonstrate improved activity tolerance
• Vital signs will remain within normal limits
Nursing Interventions
1. Monitor vital signs frequently
o Assess BP, HR, oxygen saturation.
2. Assess lung sounds
o Detect pulmonary congestion early.
3. Monitor intake and output
o Evaluate kidney perfusion.
4. Administer medications as prescribed
o Diuretics
o ACE inhibitors
o Beta blockers
o Digoxin
5. Provide oxygen therapy
o Improve oxygen delivery to tissues.
6. Position patient in High Fowler’s
o Decreases venous return and improves breathing.
Evaluation
• Vital signs stable