Congestive heart failure, or heart failure, is a condition in which the heart is unable to adequately pump blood throughout the body and/or unable to prevent blood from "backing up" into the lungs.
In most cases, heart failure is a process that occurs over time, when an underlying condition damages the heart or makes it work too hard, weakening the organ. Heart failure is characterized by shortness of breath (dyspnea) and abnormal fluid retention, which usually results in swelling (edema) in the feet and legs.
Source : cardiologychannel.com
Nursing Diagnosis for Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
- Decrease Cardiac Output related to :
- Changes in myocardial contractility or inotropic changes
- Changes in frequency, rhythm, cardiac conduction
- Structural changes (eg, valve abnormalities, ventricular aneurysm)
- Activity Intolerance related to :
- Weakness, weakness
- Changes in vital signs, dysritmia
- Dyspnea
- Pale
- Sweating
- Excess Fluid Volume related to
- The reduced glomerular filtration rate (decrease in cardiac output) or increased production of ADH and sodium and water retention.
- Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity related to
- Bed rest
- Edema, decreased tissue perfusion.