Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

What is the main problem in CHF?

Heart function is impaired and cardiac output is inadequate

Which of the following is a common cause of CHF in children?

Congenital heart defects

CHF can be caused by arrhythmias. True or False?

True

High cardiac output conditions that can cause CHF include:

Severe anemia and acidosis

Which acquired heart disease is a common cause of CHF in children?

Kawasaki disease

Left-to-right shunts in CHF lead to

Pulmonary overload → pulmonary hypertension

Obstructive defects in CHF result in

LV hypertrophy → eventual myocardial failure

Which compensatory mechanism in CHF increases heart rate and venous return?

Sympathetic activation

Right-sided heart failure in children is characterized by

RV unable to pump blood to pulmonary artery → increased RA and systemic venous pressure

Left-sided heart failure leads to

Pulmonary congestion → pulmonary hypertension → pulmonary edema

Clinical manifestations of CHF in infants include

Cyanosis, diaphoresis, poor weight gain, irritability, frequent respiratory infections

Older children with CHF may present with

Exercise intolerance and dyspnea

Progressive signs of CHF include all EXCEPT

Bradycardia

Signs of fluid overload in CHF include

Periorbital/facial edema, hepatomegaly, jugular vein distention

Advanced CHF may present with

Cardiomegaly, weak peripheral pulses, hypotension → cardiogenic shock

Diagnostics for CHF include

All of the above

Labs important for CHF evaluation include

CBC, electrolytes, ABG, BUN/creatinine, liver function

The primary goal of CHF management is

Treat underlying cause (e.g., arrhythmia, congenital defect)

Medications used in CHF include all EXCEPT

Antibiotics

Supportive nursing care in CHF includes

All of the above

Surgical interventions for CHF may include

All of the above

Other supportive management strategies include

All of the above