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.

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