Nursing research in advanced heart failure care

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Abstract

Heart failure is experienced due to the inability of the heart of effectively pump blood. The heart is left weak due to certain conditions that include high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and so on (Hannibal, & George, 2012).  Most of the conditions that lead to heart failure are irreversible; however, treatments play a significant role in improving the signs and symptoms of heart failure thereby enhancing the quality of life. Various factors contribute to the development of heart failure, for example, narrowed arteries weaken heart muscles hence limiting the supply of oxygenated blood. High blood pressure is among the most significant contributing factors that cause heart failure because if the blood pressure is high, then the heart is forced to work harder than usual. Besides, the instances of heart attack damage the heart muscles leading to heart failure as the heart fails to pump blood as required. Other factors that cause heart failure include obesity, alcohol abuse, sleep apnea, and so on.

Nursing role in preventing heart failure

Nurse practitioners play a significant role in preventing the development of heart condition. Patients at the risk of heart failure need constant reminding on the red flags of developing the condition; these symptoms include itching, swelling, and bilateral lower extremity pruritus. Nurse practitioners need an increased understanding of the implications of a new arrhythmia, elevated blood pressure and systemic infection so that to dispense proper health care to patients. According to Chung et al. (2013), nurse practitioners are tasked with the responsibility of providing patients with critical goal-directed interventions that can lead to the prevention of developing heart failure. Patients need to be reminded to continually monitor the symptoms of heart failure complemented by controlling diuretics, reducing sodium intake, and managing fluid overload through the restriction. Patients at risk of developing heart failure benefit from the adequate education that supports safe practice provided by nurse practitioners. Through close monitoring, nurse practitioners offer an outreach service to patients by liaising with nurses from other departments such as emergency rooms.

Nursing role in treating heart failure

Nurse practitioners are an essential part of...