In: Nursing
Auscultate apical pulse, assess heart rate, rhythm. Document
dysrhythmia if telemetry is available. Tachycardia is usually
present (even at rest) to compensate for decreased ventricular
contractility. Premature atrial contractions (PACs), paroxysmal
atrial tachycardia (PAT), PVCs, multifocal atrial tachycardia
(MAT), and atrial fibrillation (AF) are common dysrhythmias
associated with HF, although others may also occur.
Note: Intractable ventricular dysrhythmias unresponsive to
medication suggest ventricular aneurysm.
Note heart sounds. S1 and S2 may be weak because of diminished
pumping action. Gallop rhythms are common (S3and S4), produced as
blood flows into noncompliant chambers. Murmurs may reflect
valvular incompetence.
Palpate peripheral pulses. Decreased cardiac output may be
reflected in diminished radial, popliteal, dorsalis pedis, and post
tibial pulses. Pulses may be fleeting or irregular to palpation,
and pulsus alternans (strong beat alternating with weak beat) may
be present.
Monitor BP. In early, moderate, or chronic HF, BP may be elevated
because of increased SVR. In advanced HF, the body may no longer be
able to compensate, and profound hypotension may occur.
Inspect skin for pallor, cyanosis. Pallor is indicative
of diminished peripheral perfusion secondary to inadequate cardiac
output, vasoconstriction, and anemia. Cyanosis may develop in
refractory HF. Dependent areas are often blue or mottled as venous
congestion increases.
Monitor urine output, noting decreasing output and concentrated
urine. Kidneys respond to reduced cardiac output by retaining water
and sodium. Urine output is usually decreased during the day
because of fluid shifts into tissues but may be increased at night
because fluid returns to circulation when patient is
recumbent.
Note changes in sensorium: lethargy, confusion, disorientation,
anxiety, and depression. May indicate inadequate
cerebral perfusion secondary to decreased cardiac output.
Assess for abnormal heart and lung sounds. Allows
detection of left-sided heart failure that may occur with chronic
renal failure patients due to fluid volume excess as the diseased
kidneys are unable to excrete water.
Monitor blood pressure and pulse. Patients with renal failure are
most often hypertensive, which is attributable to excess fluid and
the initiation of the renin-angiotensin mechanism.
Assess mental status and level of consciousness. The accumulation
of waste products in the bloodstream impairs oxygen transport and
intake by cerebral tissues, which may manifest itself as confusion,
lethargy, and altered consciousness.
Assess patient’s skin temperature and peripheral pulses. Decreased
perfusion and oxygenation of tissues secondary to anemia and pump
ineffectiveness may lead to decreased in temperature and peripheral
pulses that are diminished and difficult to palpate.
Monitor results of laboratory and diagnostic tests. Results of the
test provide clues to the status of the disease and response to
treatments.
Monitor oxygen saturation and ABGs. Provides information regarding
the heart’s ability to perfuse distal tissues with oxygenated
blood