Menu
Menu
Menu

Points of attention for nurses in an admitted patient with heart failure

Search Results

Points of attention for nurses in an admitted patient with heart failure

  • Document the interview and the explanations provided, as well as the contact persons.
  • Clinical monitoring of the patient:
  • Administration of medication and care.
  • Preparation for examinations and during invasive procedures, check the temporary discontinuation of certain anticoagulants by the physician in charge.
  • Follow the:
    • Food intake (meals, liquids, etc.).
    • Knowledge of the disease and compliance with the prescribed treatment. Check the patient's level of understanding and the correct taking of medication.
    • Perception of illness and psychological state. Psychological support to be considered if necessary.
    • Assess the family situation, the patient's autonomy and the social environment. In the event of a problem, additional help will be requested from social services, dietician, physiotherapist, geriatric support team (GST), psychologists, intercultural mediators, pastoral staff, if necessary after consultation with the doctor.
  • Upon discharge, gather all documents (medical report, cover letter, treatments, reimbursement requests, etc.) and give them to the patient.
  • Discussion upon discharge (if possible by the heart failure nurse):
    • Make sure the information is clear to the patient and their family/carer.
    • Compare discharge medications with the admission medications and indicate adjustments.
      • Discrepancies should be reported to the treating physician if necessary.
      • If a patient takes a generic product at home, the aim should be that the same product is re-listed on discharge if it had been replaced during hospitalization by an equivalent alternative available on the hospital formulary.
      • Learn the importance of using a heart failure diary and repeatedly monitoring weight, blood pressure, and heart rate.
    • Recommend an appointment with the general practitioner 5 to 7 days after discharge for a clinical check-up and a blood test (renal function and ionogram), unless this has already been planned in the hospital by the treating cardiologist.
crossmenuchevron-right-circle