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CCF

Congestive Cardiac Failure, when the heart becomes weak and cannot pump blood properly.

Causes of CCF

High blood pressure, heart attack, coronary artery disease, diabetes, smoking, and heart valve problems.

Pulmonary Oedema

Fluid buildup in the lungs.

Fluid in the lungs with CCF

Pulmonary oedema.

Pathway of fluid before reaching the lungs

Pulmonary veins.

How fluid causes oedema

Heart cannot pump properly, causing pressure build-up and fluid leakage into tissues.

Effect of fluid buildup in lungs

Harder for oxygen to enter the blood, resulting in shortness of breath and low oxygen levels.

Why CCF causes shortness of breath

Fluid buildup in the lungs makes breathing difficult.

Dyspnoea

Shortness of breath.

Oedema

Swelling caused by fluid buildup in body tissues.

Cause of oedema in CCF

Poor heart pumping causes fluid to leak into tissues.

Why oedema occurs in the legs

Gravity pulls extra fluid down into the legs and feet.

Signs and symptoms of CCF

Shortness of breath, oedema, fatigue, coughing, crackles, weight gain, and low oxygen levels.

Crackles in the lungs

Crackling sounds caused by fluid in the lungs.

Affected body parts in CCF

Lungs, legs, feet, brain, kidneys, and liver.

Which side of the heart is connected to the lungs?

The right side of the heart.

Which side of the heart pumps blood to the body?

The left side of the heart.

Function of the right ventricle

Pumps blood to the lungs.

Function of the left ventricle

Pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body.

Reduced cardiac output

When the heart is not pumping enough blood around the body.

Perfusion

The flow of blood and oxygen to body tissues.

Organs affected by poor perfusion

Brain, kidneys, lungs, liver, and skin.

Neurological assessment

An assessment checking brain and nervous system function.

Checked in a neurological assessment

Conscious state, pupils, speech, movement, sensation, and GCS.

6 P’s of Neurovascular Assessment

1. Pain, 2. Pallor, 3. Pulse, 4. Paralysis, 5. Paraesthesia, 6. Poikilothermia.

Nursing interventions for CCF

Sit upright, monitor vitals, monitor oxygen saturation, fluid restriction, daily weights, medications, monitor oedema, and oxygen if prescribed.

Why patients sit upright in CCF

Helps expand the lungs and improves breathing.

Position that helps breathing in CCF

High Fowler’s position.

Importance of daily weights in CCF

Helps monitor fluid retention.

Reason for fluid restriction in CCF

To stop extra fluid buildup.

Importance of salt restriction in CCF

Salt makes the body hold more fluid.

Observations to monitor in CCF

Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, temperature, fluid balance, and weight.

Oxygen saturation changes in CCF

May decrease because fluid affects oxygen exchange.

Oxygen delivery for CCF patients

Usually 2–4 L/min via nasal prongs if hypoxic.

Target oxygen saturation for CCF patients

94–98%.

Common medications for CCF

Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and oxygen if needed.

Function of diuretics

Removes excess fluid through urine.

Fluid overload

Too much fluid in the body.

Tachycardia

A fast heart rate.

Cyanosis

Bluish skin or lips caused by low oxygen levels.

Why CCF causes fatigue

The body is not getting enough oxygen-rich blood.

Consequences of worsening CCF

Increased fluid buildup and more difficult breathing.

Education for CCF patients

Take medications correctly, reduce salt, monitor weight, manage fluids, and report worsening symptoms.

Lifestyle changes for CCF

Healthy diet, exercise, stop smoking, reduce salt, and manage fluid intake.

Normal oxygen saturation levels

95–100%.

Why monitor urine output in CCF

To check kidney function and fluid balance.

Signs of worsening pulmonary oedema

Severe shortness of breath, crackles, low oxygen levels, and pink frothy sputum.

Emergency interventions for severe CCF

Oxygen therapy, IV medications, fluid removal, and close monitoring.