INTRODUCTION

Heart failure, the clinical syndrome that constitutes the final pathway for many diseases that affect the heart, is on the rise. Approximately 5 million Americans have it, and hospital admissions for heart failure have increased by 159% over the past decade. Fortunately, great strides have recently been made in identifying the pathophysiology involved, verifying the diagnosis, and most importantly, in developing treatment options. 

New pharmacotherapies, cardiac resynchronization therapy, various surgical options, and mechanical support offer new hope for patients with heart failure.

	What does the QRS complex on the electrocardiogram look like in a patient with a biventricular pacemaker?
	How does the bedside BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) test differentiate dyspnea due to heart failure from pulmonary causes of dyspnea?
	Is it possible to have symptoms of heart failure (dyspnea, fatigue and edema) with a normal left ventricular ejection fraction?
	Should the beta-blocker be discontinued in a patient admitted to the ICU with acute decompensated heart failure?
	Should you hold the ACE-inhibitor in a heart failure patient with a systolic BP < 90 mm Hg?
	Why are NSAIDs contraindicated in the patient with heart failure?
	What precautions should be taken when it is necessary to defibrillate a patient with an ICD (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator)?
	How does the diuretic Aldactone (spironolactone) improve survival in heart failure?
	Does the use of the Swan-Ganz catheter in management of acute decompensated heart failure improve outcomes?

Presented by:
Kathleen H. Toto,
R.N., M.S.N., C.S., CCRN

 Seminar approved by:

American Association
 of Critical-Care Nurses

6.0 contact hours
Category A

 Provider approved by:

  California Board of
  Registered Nursing
    CEP 6910