TRUSTED TEST SOLUTIONS!
What is acute decompensated heart failure (HF)? Answer: A condition where
pulmonary venous pressure increases due to left ventricle failure, leading to
pulmonary vascular engorgement and decreased lung compliance.
What diagnostic tools are used to assess heart failure? Answer: Echocardiogram,
ECG, ambulatory heart monitors, chest x-ray, 6-minute walk test, MUGA scan,
cardiac MRI, cardiac catheterization, endomyocardial biopsy, serum electrolytes, and
NT-proBNP or BNP levels.
What are early signs and symptoms of acute decompensated heart failure?
Answer: Increased pulmonary venous pressure, mild increase in respiratory rate,
and decreased PaO2.
What are the later signs and symptoms of acute decompensated heart failure?
Answer: Interstitial pulmonary edema, tachypnea, shortness of breath, respiratory
acidosis, and alveolar edema.
What is pulmonary edema and why is it life-threatening? Answer: A condition where
alveoli fill with fluid, often associated with left-sided heart failure, leading to
symptoms like dyspnea, tachypnea, and cyanosis.
What are common manifestations of heart failure? Answer: Fatigue, dyspnea,
orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, cough, tachycardia, palpitations, edema,
changes in urine output, skin changes, neurological manifestations, and weight
changes.
What interventions should be taken for patients with heart failure? Answer: Assess
subjective and objective data, manage medications, implement a low sodium diet,
monitor vital signs, and provide ongoing assessment.
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,What is the significance of daily weight monitoring in heart failure patients? Answer:
A weight gain of 3 lbs over 2 days or 3-5 lbs over a week should be reported to the
healthcare provider as it indicates potential fluid overload.
What are the treatment groups for heart failure presentations? Answer: Patients are
categorized into dry-warm, dry-cold, wet-warm, and wet-cold based on their volume
status and perfusion.
What medications are commonly used in heart failure treatment? Answer: Diuretics
(e.g., furosemide), vasodilators (e.g., IV nitroglycerin), morphine, and positive
inotropes (e.g., dopamine, dobutamine).
What complications can arise from heart failure? Answer: Pleural effusion,
dysrhythmias, activity intolerance, fluid imbalance, impaired cardiac and respiratory
function, and cardiogenic shock.
What is cardiomyopathy? Answer: A group of diseases that directly affect the
myocardium's structure and function, classified as primary (unknown cause) or
secondary (known cause).
What are the signs and symptoms of worsening heart failure? Answer: Increased
dyspnea, orthopnea, cough, and changes in weight or edema.
What is the role of telehealth in heart failure management? Answer: Telehealth
allows for remote monitoring and timely interventions to avoid re-hospitalization.
What is the importance of advanced directives in heart failure care? Answer: They
guide end-of-life care discussions and decisions regarding advanced heart failure
therapies and palliative care.
What is the purpose of a high/semi-Fowler's position in heart failure patients?
Answer: To improve respiratory function and ease breathing in patients experiencing
dyspnea.
What are the signs of fluid overload in heart failure patients? Answer: Edema,
weight gain, and increased blood pressure.
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, What is the significance of using accessory muscles in breathing for heart failure
patients? Answer: It indicates increased respiratory effort due to difficulty breathing.
What is paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea? Answer: A sudden episode of shortness of
breath that occurs at night, often waking the patient from sleep.
What is the role of mechanical ventilation in heart failure management? Answer: It
is used for unstable patients who cannot maintain adequate oxygenation and
ventilation.
What is ultrafiltration (aquapheresis) used for in heart failure patients? Answer: To
remove excess fluid in patients with volume overload who are resistant to diuretics.
What are the common causes of secondary cardiomyopathy? Answer: Known
myocardial diseases such as infections or other pathological processes.
What is the expected prognosis for heart failure patients? Answer: The 5-year
survival rate varies but is often a focus of transitional care and disease management.
What lifestyle modifications are recommended for heart failure patients? Answer:
Low sodium diet, fluid restrictions, and regular monitoring of weight and symptoms.
What are common causes of cardiomyopathy? Answer: Cardiotoxic agents
(alcohol, cocaine, doxorubicin), coronary artery disease, hypertension, genetic
factors, metabolic disorders, muscular dystrophy, myocarditis, pregnancy, and valve
disease.
What is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy characterized by? Answer: Asymmetric left
ventricular hypertrophy without dilation, primarily affecting males, and is a common
cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes.
What are the manifestations of heart failure? Answer: Decreased exercise capacity,
fatigue, dyspnea at rest, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, orthopnea, dry cough,
palpitations, abdominal bloating, hepatomegaly, jugular venous distension, and
edema.
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