Preventing and Managing Heart Failure Exacerbation

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Video Runtime: 24 Minutes, Learning Assessments: 23 Minutes

The fourth course in this heart failure (HF) program addresses exacerbation prevention strategies, including patient and caregiver education. Signs and symptoms that could be managed in the home and expected components of home medical management are discussed. While the HF certificate program is aimed at nurses and therapists across all settings, home care clinicians and nurses working in long-term care facilities will especially benefit from this course. A high level of knowledge is required to effectively assess and monitor for signs of worsening HF. Such knowledge provides the clinician with confidence in assessment, early identification of worsening HF, and patient education.

Meet your instructor

Lisa A. Gorski

Lisa A. Gorski has worked for 40 years as a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) and educator for Wheaton Franciscan Home Health & Hospice, now part of Ascension at Home, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a CNS, she has played a key role in the home infusion therapy program, contributing to clinician education, policy and procedure…

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Chapters & learning objectives

1. Preventing HF Exacerbation

Exacerbation prevention strategies are described in this chapter. Good self-care begins with helping patients to monitor their symptoms. Weight monitoring and dietary guidelines are addressed along with medication management and general wellness recommendations.

2. Identification of Signs/Symptoms of Exacerbation and Medication-Related Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Signs and symptoms of worsening HF that may be potentially managed in the home are differentiated from those that indicate the need for emergent care. The identification of medication side effects such as overdiuresis, hypotension, and cough are also highlighted.

3. Home Management of HF Exacerbation

Potential home medical management of worsening HF and medication issues is covered in this chapter. In addition to treatment, exploring factors with the patient that potentially contribute to symptoms is important to exacerbations.

More courses in this series

Anatomy and Pathophysiology of Heart Failure

Lisa A. Gorski

Heart Failure: Medication Management

Lisa A. Gorski

Heart Failure Assessment: Monitoring Signs and Symptoms

Lisa A. Gorski