Nursing Care

The role of nurses in the treatment of Congestive Heart Failure

The nurse have critical role to care for both inpatient and outpatient who is suffering from heart failure.  Nursing intervention for patient with heart failure should include

• administration of medication and assessment 
• assessment of fluid balance, strict input and output of fluid volume
• weight patient daily at the same time and on the same scale
• auscultation of lung sounds to detect an increase or decrease in pulmonary crackles
• determining the degree of jugular vein distension
• identification of evaluation of edema
• monitor patient's pulse rate, blood pressure and hypotension due to dehydration
• examination of skin turgor and mucous membranes for signs of dehydration
• assessment for symptoms of fluid overload

The nurse should also educate the patient about lifestyle modifications. smoking cessation, salt, restriction, appropriate levels of exercise, regular follow up appointment, and self-monitoring for sign and symptoms are all important parts of patient's treatment plan.



Angelidou, D. (2010). Caring for the heart failure patient: contemporary nursing interventions. Hospital Chronicles. supplement 1-8.

Quagliett, A., Atwood, E., Ackerman, L., & Froelicher, V. (2000). Management of the patient with congestive heart failure using outpatient, home and palliative care. Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases. 43(3). 259-274.