Heart Failure Exam Questions And Answers Verified 100% Correct

Heart Failure Exam Questions And Answers Verified 100% Correct Characteristics of Right-Sided Heart Failure - ANSWER- - Primarily involves failure of right ventricle - Conditions that restrict blood flow to lungs, such as chronic pulmonary disease, are common causes. - Blood pressures in right side of heart increase, causing blood accumulation in systemic venous system, congestion in abdominal organs, and development of peripheral tissue edema. Characteristics of Low-Output Heart Failure - ANSWER- - Results from decreased cardiac output - Includes heart failure resulting from coronary heart disease, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, and other primary cardiac disorders. Characteristics of High-Output Heart Failure - ANSWER- - Results from increased cardiac output - Occurs in clients in hypermetabolic states (e.g., hyperthyroidism, infection, anemia, pregnancy). - Compensatory mechanisms further increase cardiac output, which further increases oxygen demand and eventually leads to heart failure. Characteristics of Acute Heart Failure - ANSWER- - Sudden decrease in cardiac function - Caused by abrupt onset of myocardial injury (e.g., myocardial infarction) Characteristics of Chronic Heart Failure - ANSWER- - Gradual decrease in cardiac function - Caused by progressive deterioration of heart muscle (e.g., due to cardiomyopathies, valvular disease, or coronary heart disease) Pulmonary Edema - ANSWER- an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the interstitial tissue and alveoli of the lung. When it develops along with heart failure, it is considered cardiogenic in origin and is a sign of severe cardiac decompensation. In cardiogenic pulmonary edema (CPE), the following occur: - ANSWER- - Impaired contractility of the left ventricle - Inability of ventricle to eject blood, resulting in a rise in end-diastolic volume and pressure - Increased pulmonary hydrostatic pressures - Congested interstitial tissues caused by fluid leaking from pulmonary capillaries - Decreased lung compliance - Interrupted gas exchange - Fluid entering the alveoli along with red blood cells and protein - Disrupted ventilation - Hypoxia Populations at risk for HF include: - ANSWER- Those over 65 years of age African Americans The overweight or obese Men Those with a history of myocardial infarction Risk Factors for HF - ANSWER- The most prevalent risk factors for heart failure are: Coronary heart disease Hypertension Diabetes Other risk factors are: Valve disease Arrhythmias Congenital heart disease. Severe lung disease Sleep apnea Manifestations of Systolic HF - ANSWER- Weakness Fatigue Decreased exercise tolerance Manifestations of Diastolic HF of Left Ventricle - ANSWER- Shortness of breath Tachypnea Respiratory crackles Manifestations of Left-Sided HF - ANSWER- - Fatigue and activity intolerance are common early manifestations - Dizziness and syncope - Dyspnea, shortness of breath, cough - Orthopnea (difficulty breathing when supine) - Cyanosis - Inspiratory crackles (rales) and wheezes may be heard in lung bases - S3 gallop Manifestations of Diastolic HF of Right Ventricle - ANSWER- Distended neck veins Liver enlargement Anorexia and nausea Manifestations of Right-Sided HF - ANSWER- - Edema in the feet and legs or, if the client is bedridden, in the sacrum - Anorexia and nausea - Right upper quadrant pain may result from liver engorgement - Neck veins distend and become visible, even when the client is upright Other Manifestations of HF - ANSWER- - Weight gain - Edema - Nocturia (voiding two or more times at night) - Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (client awakens at night acutely short of breath) - Severe heart failure may cause dyspnea at rest as well as with activity. - Both an S3 and an S4 gallop may be heard on auscultation. Complications in other body systems due to HF - ANSWER- - Congestive hepatomegaly and splenomegaly - Increased abdominal pressure, ascites, and gastrointestinal problems - With prolonged right-sided heart failure, liver function may be impaired. - Myocardial distention can precipitate dysrhythmias. - Pleural effusions and other pulmonary problems may develop. - Pulmonary edema Atrial naturetic peptide (ANP) Brain naturetic peptide (BNP) - ANSWER- - ANP and BNP are hormones released by the heart in response to changes in blood volume. - Blood levels increase in heart failure. - BNP increases as heart failure worsens and decreases when heart failure stabilizes. - BNP may be elevated in women and clients over age 60. For these clients, BP should not be primary diagnostic tool. Serum electrolytes - ANSWER- - Evaluate fluid and electrolyte status. - Low serum osmolarity with fluid retention - Sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium allow evaluation of treatment effectiveness. Urinalysis Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) Serum creatinine - ANSWER- Evaluate renal function Liver function tests - ANSWER- - Evaluate possible effects of heart failure on liver function. - Include alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, serum bilirubin, and total protein and albumin levels.