Nursing Interventions: Heart Failure

1. Place the patient inn Fowler’s position and give supplemental oxygen, as ordered.
2. Organize all activities to provide maximum rest periods.
3. To prevent deep vein thrombosis due to vascular congestion, assist the patient with range-of-motion exercises.
4. Weigh the patient daily to help detect fluid retention and observe for peripheral edema.
5. Assess the patient’s vital signs for increased respiratory and heart rates and for narrowing pulse pressure and mental status.
6. Frequently monitor blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine, potassium, sodium, chloride, and magnesium levels.
7. Watch for calf pain and tenderness.
8. Advise the patient to avoid foods high in sodium content.
9. Stress the need for regular medical check up and periodic blood tests to monitor drug levels.
10. Stress the importance of taking medications exactly as prescribed.
11. Tell the patient to notify the doctor if his pulse rate is usually irregular or less than 60 beats/min.