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What is CCF?
CCF (Congestive Cardiac Failure) is when the heart becomes weak and cannot pump blood properly around the body.
What causes CCF?
High blood pressure, heart attack, coronary artery disease, diabetes, smoking, and heart valve problems.
What is pulmonary oedema?
Pulmonary oedema is fluid buildup in the lungs.
What is the fluid called in the lungs with CCF?
Pulmonary oedema.
What area does the fluid go through before the lungs?
Pulmonary veins.
How does the fluid get to the oedema?
The heart cannot pump properly, so pressure builds in the blood vessels and fluid leaks into the tissues, causing swelling.
What happens when fluid builds up in the lungs?
It becomes harder for oxygen to enter the blood, causing shortness of breath and low oxygen levels.
Why does CCF cause shortness of breath?
Fluid builds up in the lungs, making breathing difficult.
What is dyspnoea?
Dyspnoea means shortness of breath.
What is oedema?
Oedema is swelling caused by fluid buildup in body tissues.
What causes oedema in CCF?
Poor heart pumping causes fluid to leak into tissues.
Why does oedema happen in the legs?
Gravity pulls the extra fluid down into the legs and feet.
What are signs and symptoms of CCF?
Shortness of breath, oedema, fatigue, coughing, crackles, weight gain, and low oxygen levels.
What are crackles in the lungs?
Crackling sounds caused by fluid in the lungs.
What body parts are affected by 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.
What does the right ventricle do?
Pumps blood to the lungs.
What does the left ventricle do?
Pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body.
What is reduced cardiac output?
When the heart is not pumping enough blood around the body.
What does perfusion mean?
The flow of blood and oxygen to body tissues.
What organs are affected by poor perfusion?
Brain, kidneys, lungs, liver, and skin.
What is a neurological assessment?
An assessment that checks brain and nervous system function.
What is checked in a neurological assessment?
Conscious state, pupils, speech, movement, sensation, and GCS.
The 6 P’s of Neurovascular Assessment
1. Pain
Severe or worsening pain.
2. Pallor
Pale skin showing poor circulation.
3. Pulse
Checking if pulses are present and strong.
4. Paralysis
Checking movement of the limb.
5. Paraesthesia
Numbness or tingling.
6. Poikilothermia
A cold limb due to poor blood flow.
What are nursing interventions for CCF?
Sit upright, monitor vitals, monitor oxygen saturation, fluid restriction, daily weights, medications, monitor oedema, and oxygen if prescribed.
Why do patients sit upright in CCF?
It helps expand the lungs and improves breathing.
What position helps breathing in CCF?
High Fowler’s position.
Why are daily weights important in CCF?
They help monitor fluid retention.
Why is fluid restriction used?
To stop extra fluid buildup.
Why is salt restriction important?
Salt makes the body hold more fluid.
What observations should be monitored in CCF?
Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, temperature, fluid balance, and weight.
What happens to oxygen saturation in CCF?
It may decrease because fluid affects oxygen exchange.
How much oxygen can you give a CCF patient?
Usually 2–4 L/min via nasal prongs if hypoxic.
What oxygen saturation is aimed for in most CCF patients?
94–98%.
What medications are commonly used in CCF?
Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and oxygen if needed.
What do diuretics do?
They remove excess fluid through urine.
What is fluid overload?
Too much fluid in the body.
What is tachycardia?
A fast heart rate.
What is cyanosis?
Bluish skin or lips caused by low oxygen levels.
Why can CCF cause fatigue?
The body is not getting enough oxygen-rich blood.
What happens if CCF gets worse?
Fluid buildup increases and breathing becomes more difficult.
What education should be given to a patient with CCF?
Take medications correctly, reduce salt, monitor weight, manage fluids, and report worsening symptoms.
What lifestyle changes help CCF?
Healthy diet, exercise, stop smoking, reduce salt, and manage fluid intake.
What are normal oxygen saturation levels?
95–100%.
Why do we monitor urine output in CCF?
To check kidney function and fluid balance.
What are signs of worsening pulmonary oedema?
Severe shortness of breath, crackles, low oxygen levels, and pink frothy sputum.
What emergency interventions may be needed in severe CCF?
Oxygen therapy, IV medications, fluid removal, and close monitoring.