Part 3 Paragraph 1 Hearth Failure
Question Description
Please write a paragraph responding to the discussion bellow. Add citations and references in alphabetical order.
The
American Heart Association describes Heart Failure as “Heart failure is
a chronic, progressive condition in which the heart muscle is unable to
pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs for blood and oxygen.”
(American Heart Association, 2019). Heart Failure is a definite threat
to morbidity and mortality of the patient. Mrs. J needs much help in
terms of medical and nursing interventions in light of her current
situation.
As far as nursing interventions, oxygen is definitely
warranted for this patient and may even benefit from BiPAP to aide with
the pulmonary edema as evidenced by the pulmonary crackles and frothy
blood-tinged sputum. Along with this, the patient should be sat up in a
high-fowler’s position and vital signs, ECG and oxygen saturation all
need to be monitored closely to watch for further decompensation.
Diuretics such as Lasix are effective in reducing the volume or preload
coming into the heart which can help the heart contract more effectively
and improve cardiac output. ACE Inhibitors such as Vasotec “are the
primary drug of choice for blocking the RAAS system in HF patients with
systolic dysfunction…The conversion of angiotensin I to the potent
vasoconstrictor angiotensin II requires the presence of ACE. ACE
Inhibitors also decrease the development of ventricular remodeling by
inhibiting ventricular hypertrophy.” (Lewis et al, 2011).
Beta-adrenergic blockers can decrease the heart rate by blocking the
effects of the sympathetic nervous system on the heart’s beta receptors.
Lastly, Morphine reduces preload and afterload by dilating “pulmonary
and systemic blood vessels, a goal in decreasing pulmonary pressures and
improving the gas exchange.” (Lewis et al, 2015). Four cardiovascular
conditions that may lead to heart failure include coronary artery
disease, hypertension, valvular diseases such as stenosis, and
congenital heart defects. Coronary artery disease can be aided by
exercise and nutritional diet and may also helped by stenting of
coronary arteries when precipitated by angina or MI. Hypertension can
also be helped by exercise and nutritional diet and antihypertensive
medications. Valvular diseases such as stenosis can be repaired or
replaced by mechanical or bioprosthetic valves. Lastly, congenital heart
defects can be surgically repaired.
Four interventions to prevent drug interactions for older adults include:
Encourage
older adults to check with their PCP or pharmacist before taking any
OTC, herbal or prescription medications to make sure that there are no
interactions between the medications. Secondly, have a system to
properly identify medications and take them in the appropriate doses and
right medication, these can include a clearly labeled weekly pill
organizer. This can prevent taking wrong medications at wrong times or
overdosing. Thirdly, set alarms or reminders to reinforce taking
medications at the right times. Some medications need to be spaced out
to prevent adverse events or complications. Lastly, promptly report
adverse effects to the PCP or pharmacist or seek medical treatment,
whichever is warranted by the gravity and urgency of the adverse effect.
